Senator Kiko Pangilinan clarified that the Liberal Party has no clear plan yet on who it will field as its presidential candidate in the 2028 elections.
Speaking to reporters, Pangilinan said the party’s current priority is rebuilding its strength and reinforcing ties with allied groups.
“As far as the LP is concerned, we just need to strengthen our ranks, continue with our organizing, our recruitment of members, and of course strengthening our linkages with our allies,” Pangilinan said.
He admitted, however, that he continues to persuade former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to reconsider a presidential run.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, Ma’am, wag kayong… don’t close the door(s) to 2028 at ang nabanggit nya sa akin ay mas gusto nyang iba na ang tumaya pero sabi ko, Ma’am gaya ng sinabi nyo, sabi ko sa kanya, nung 2021, 2022 sabi nyo, if it’s meant to be it will happen so in the meantime, trabaho muna tayo,” Pangilinan added.
Robredo and Pangilinan previously ran as president and vice president, respectively, in the 2022 elections but lost to the UniTeam tandem of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Aside from Robredo, Pangilinan himself, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, and Senator Bam Aquino are also being floated as possible contenders under the Liberal Party banner in 2028.