Senator-Judge Robin Padilla declared that he is a communist while questioning NBI-BARMM Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc during the fifth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday.

Padilla raised the term “Romanov” and asked whether it should be viewed in relation to threats against political families opposing communist movements.

“Hindi po ba dapat isipin natin ‘yung Romanov eh tungkol sa threat na pumapasok sa mga pamilya na namumuno dito sa ating bayan na lumalaban sa komunista. Komunista po ako ah. Gusto ko lamang pong alamin ninyo,” Padilla told Lotoc.

The senator also questioned Lotoc’s appointment to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including his knowledge of Islam and the region’s history.

When asked if he had knowledge of Islam, Lotoc said he had “kaunti” knowledge despite being a Christian. Padilla emphasized the importance of having at least basic knowledge about the religion and culture of the area.

Padilla also asked about Lotoc’s alleged reputation as the NBI’s “Golden Boy” and whether he had faced any complaints. Lotoc said complaints against NBI agents are common and that he had not received any official complaint from the Ombudsman.

The senator further questioned Lotoc about the history of the Romanov family while presenting a thick set of documents during his line of questioning.

“Kasi napaka-kapal po nitong hawak ko,” Padilla said.

“Wala pong problema ‘yan Your Honor, sasagutin po namin ‘yan,” Lotoc replied.

The proceedings continue to tackle Article IV of the impeachment complaint, which involves the alleged grave threats made by Vice President Duterte against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.