that night when they stopped by the store. On October 29, 1996, Padilla was released after posting a Php 120,000 bail. He was accompanied by: his mother, Eva Carino; his girlfriend at the time, Jean Garcia; and his other relatives. On November 12, 1996, the Pasig Regional Trial Court ruled Padilla's right for the 45-day reinvestigation of the charges after the motion was filed by Robert Padilla, his counsel and elder brother based on his client's inquest without their counter-affidavit. Luna's defending lawyer Rene Saquisag stressed his client's innocence by stating that the arresting policemen had "planted" the evidence against them. On May 20, 1998, Judge Esperanza Fabon-Victorino of the Pasig Regional Trial Court convicted and sentenced Padilla to 8 years imprisonment at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinglupa for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He went into hiding after the fact but eventually surrendered on June 2, 1998 accompanied by his younger brother Robin Padilla and fellow actor George Estregan. His lawyers believed he will not go to jail if he surrenders himself before June 4 to file a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeals but the same ruling judge Victorino denied them for Padilla's violation of the conditions for his bail, and for not appearing in court despite due notice. Padilla's fugitive status while he went into hiding shortly before he was sentenced did not help secure his motion for bail. While in jail, reports said that he slashed his wrists at his cell to attempt suicide. On February 19, 1999, while serving time in the New Bilibid Prisons and appealing his conviction, he was released for Php 150,000 bail allowed by the Court of Appeals. Again, his mother, Eva Carino took him home after saying "I will will [sic] make sure that Rommel will not be involved in any trouble while he is out of jail,". Padilla said he wishes to do movies again and dedicate his time for family. Political career His political inclinations can be traced from his grandfather, José Padilla Sr., former governor of Bulacan province, Philippines, and his father, Casimero (Roy) Padilla Sr., former governor of Camarines Norte province. Padilla was elected Nueva Ecija Provincial Board member in 2007. In 2010, he ran for the vice governorship of Nueva Ecija under the local party Bagong Lakas ng Nueva Ecija (BALANE), but lost to Gay "GP" Padiernos. Once again, in 2016,