MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robin Padilla faces mounting criticism online and from mental health advocates after describing members of the younger generation as overly sensitive compared to people his age.
The actor-turned-lawmaker makes the remarks during a Senate hearing on proposed measures regulating children’s use of social media platforms. In the discussion, he contrasts what he calls the resilience of his generation with today’s so-called digital natives.
Padilla, 56, suggests that millennials and Generation Z are less streetwise and more prone to emotional reactions, framing it as a generational difference shaped by technology and upbringing.
His comments quickly circulate on social media, where users highlight what they see as inconsistencies, recalling instances when the senator himself became emotional during televised appearances.
Mental health professionals and advocacy groups push back against the narrative. The Psychological Association of the Philippines issues a reminder that labeling young people as fragile oversimplifies complex mental health concerns.
Experts stress that depression and other psychological conditions are legitimate health issues that cut across age groups and should not be dismissed as weakness.
Television host Kim Atienza also weighs in, noting his family’s experience with loss in 2025. He urges public officials to approach discussions about mental health with empathy, saying generational comparisons risk minimizing the struggles faced by many Filipinos.
