Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has criticized former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo for what he described as a “nonchalant” stance on the 2028 presidential elections, warning that her indecision could affect opposition unity.
In a recent television interview, Trillanes expressed concern that Robredo’s focus on her current role as mayor of Naga City does not adequately address the political implications of a possible Sara Duterte presidential bid in 2028. Duterte has previously signaled her intention to run for president.
Trillanes said Robredo must clearly state her plans to allow other opposition figures to prepare and gain momentum.
“But if she’s going to rule out any scenario that she’ll run in 2028, she has to be definitive because (Senators) Bam (Aquino) and Risa (Hontiveros) will not grow. She will have to be definitive and the fact that she isn’t definitive leads me to conclude that she is really interested,” he said.
Former Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno Abad earlier noted in February that Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros are open to a unified opposition presidential bid.
Supporters of Robredo argue she remains the most “winnable” candidate among opposition figures.
Meanwhile, recent presidential preference surveys for 2028 have consistently placed a three-way race at the top, with Vice President Sara Duterte, Robredo, and Senator Raffy Tulfo emerging as leading contenders to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.