Senator Robin Padilla embraced the online buzz surrounding his viral “University of Prison” remark by sharing an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated image depicting himself as a graduate of the made-up institution.
The actor-politician posted the edited photo on Facebook on July 10, days after joking about his educational background during the Senate’s impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
During the proceedings, fellow senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano mentioned their law school credentials. In response, Padilla quipped that he had studied at “UP,” referring not to the University of the Philippines but to the “University of Prison,” drawing laughter and widespread reactions online.
Capitalizing on the viral moment, Padilla uploaded an AI-generated image showing himself in a graduation toga while holding a diploma, with the fictional “University of Prison” serving as the backdrop.
“Maraming salamat po sa gumawa nito. Alhamdulillah. Napakaganda po talaga. Ipaguhit ko po ito sa canvas,” he wrote, expressing appreciation to the creator of the artwork.
In the same post, Padilla reflected on his years in prison, describing them as his “true university of life.”
“Ipinagmamalaki ko po talaga ang tatlong taon ko sa University of Prison. Dito sa lugar na ito ang tunay na unibersidad ng buhay,” he wrote.
The senator went on to describe prison as a place where people confront the consequences of their actions, reflect on their lives, and witness the realities of crime, poverty, and the justice system. He also characterized it as a place where individuals from different walks of life, including students from well-known universities, can learn about the realities faced by those behind bars.
He concluded his post by writing, “Madali lang ang pumasok dito. Ang mahirap ay ang makalabas at mag-graduate… with honors o with death.”
Padilla was convicted in 1994 for illegal possession of firearms and served time in prison. He was released in 1997 after receiving a pardon from then-President Fidel V. Ramos. In 2016, then-President Rodrigo Duterte granted Padilla an absolute pardon, restoring his civil and political rights, including his right to vote, seek public office, travel freely, and legally own firearms.
