Actress and former councilor **Marjorie Barretto** is facing a tough challenge in her re-run of local politics. Instead of focusing on her plans and platform, her campaign seems to be marred by **an old issue that has been revived — the controversial and long-standing feud between her and her former partner Dennis Padilla.**

As election season approaches, videos and statements regarding Marjorie’s feud with Dennis Padilla — a family drama that has long been a public spectacle — have once again gone viral online. According to some netizens, **the fact that her parents are still not in order despite the years is affecting the public’s perception of Marjorie’s ability as a leader.**

Some commented:
_”If she can’t do well in her own family, how much more so in the wider community?”_
_”Their drama is tiring, I hope she just focuses on projects for the people.”_

According to some political observers, such personal issues — especially if they are given renewed attention in the media — could **affect the trust of voters**, especially conservatives or those looking for a quiet and resolute leader.

“In politics, no matter how competent you are, if the noise of your personal life is louder than your platform, you are the loser,” said a local analyst.

Despite these issues, Marjorie Barretto’s camp has remained strong. In a statement, her spokesperson said:
*”We do not deny Ms. Marjorie’s experiences as a mother and former partner. But it is more important to pay attention to her track record as a councilor, and her concrete plans for the barangay and the city.”*

The camp also added that **Marjorie’s focus is on the welfare of the people**, and not on reviving personal issues.

Although it is not yet certain, there are surveys floating on social media that indicate that Marjorie’s popularity has slightly decreased in selected barangays. The question now is: **will her political experience prevail, or will she lose to her own “drama” that still has no end?**

In the midst of the campaign, it is clear that **Marjorie needs to win not only the public’s votes, but also the people’s trust that a mother in the midst of controversy can still be an effective leader.**

Marjorie, will speak at the right time; children, why is Dennis being criticized?
It is said that the right time will come when Marjorie Barretto will break her silence and speak on the issue of her children’s hatred for their father, Dennis Padilla.

The news about this worsened because of the issue of Julia, Leon, and Claudia Barretto allegedly forgetting to wish their father a “Father’s Day”.

Leon Barretto released an open letter to Dennis to explain his side. He said that the siblings are receiving a lot of bashing from netizens because of the “false narratives” that Dennis posts on social media.

Dennis immediately responded and also released an open letter for his son. He also asked Leon what the false narratives he posted against his children were.

According to Ogie Diaz in his vlog “Showbiz Update”, he asked Marjorie when she would speak about the issue. The two were together for the thanksgiving event that Team Robredo-Pangilinan offered to volunteers during the last campaign.

Marjorie reportedly said that she will also tell them one day about the roots of her children’s relationship with their father. Dennis and Marjorie are now separated.

“Regarding the issue of Dennis Padilla’s temper that their children did not welcome, Marjorie only said that ‘In time’ or the time and place will come when she will also speak out so that people can better understand the real situation,” said Ogie.

“Marjorie also hopes that Dennis will still protect their children at all times,” added the showbiz columnist.

Meanwhile, netizens’ reactions and comments on this varied.

“I hope you guys can make it up! It’s still a family that will be together until the end.”

“I think, no matter what your father’s attitude or whatever he is, he should still be respected. No matter what or who he is, children should be humble.”

“Dennis, don’t put your children in danger because they are the nabash, because they are the children.”

“There’s always two sides of the story… I feel sad for Leon and his siblings.”

“Pls settle your personal issues privately. Communication is very important in making sure that all issues are being addressed and posting thru socmed will only give many interpretations that will either be positive or negative. Yes, who are we to give comments on this?! But posting it is only a sign that everyone has the right to plunge into your private lives.”