Former Senate President Franklin Drilon said former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo remains the strongest potential candidate of the traditional opposition for the 2028 presidential elections.
In an interview on The Long Take program of One News, Drilon cited pre-election surveys showing Robredo as the most viable challenger to Vice President Sara Duterte, who has already declared her intention to run.
“Right now, yes, Sara Duterte is leading in the surveys but the most viable candidate for the opposition is Leni Robredo and she has not decided to run,” Drilon said.
He expressed hope that Robredo would consider joining the presidential race, while acknowledging that the decision ultimately rests with her.
When asked about Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who currently leads the traditional opposition, Drilon maintained that Robredo remains the stronger contender based on current survey data.
“We’re talking about today, today’s surveys indicate Leni as the most viable candidate for the opposition,” he said.
At present, Sara Duterte is the only major political figure to have openly declared plans to run in 2028, while Hontiveros has indicated readiness to represent the opposition if needed.
Robredo, however, clarified during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to Naga City that she is not yet focused on the 2028 elections, preferring to prioritize her responsibilities as mayor.