Optimum Star Claudine Barretto has publicly expressed support for Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla amid renewed criticism over the TV host’s past statements defending the qualifications of her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla. In the video, recorded when Robin was still running for senator, Mariel enumerated reasons why she believed her husband was qualified for the position. He is more than qualified,” Mariel said at the time. “When Robin was in Bilibid, his case became closely associated with the issue that RA 8294 addressed—illegal possession of firearms. “Now, IF gamitin natin ang talino na binigay sa atin ng Maykapal… sino kaya ang nag-draft at nagpasa ng bill na naging RA 8294?