Pressure is mounting on Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to return to the national stage, as a growing chorus of influential personalities publicly lobbies for her to join the 2028 presidential race.
Despite Robredo’s firm stance on remaining in local governance, prominent supporters from the “Kakampink” movement have launched a coordinated appeal for her to reconsider.
Leading the charge on Wednesday was singer-actress Sharon Cuneta, who took to social media to emphasize Robredo’s potential as a unifying figure for the country’s fractured political landscape.
“Dearest Ma’am Leni, please reconsider. You are the one who can unite these different parties,” Cuneta said. “You have proven na ipaglalaban niyo ang Pilipinas. Sana lang napagbigyan kayo noong 2022.”
The appeal was echoed by Cuneta’s husband, Senator Kiko Pangilinan—Robredo’s 2022 vice-presidential running mate—who expressed optimism that the former Vice President might still have a change of heart.
Former Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Heidi Mendoza also added her voice to the movement, stressing that the country’s current state necessitates Robredo’s brand of leadership.
“I know VP Leni, tinitingala natin siya lahat, kailangang-kailangan siya. So in my heart, nag-e-entertain pa rin ako na sana maramdaman niya yung pangangailangan na yun,” Mendoza said.
The list of public figures calling for her return includes a diverse mix of entertainment and political heavyweights, such as Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno, and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima.
Since her defeat in the 2022 national elections, Robredo has focused her efforts on her hometown of Naga City. While she has consistently brushed off rumors of a national comeback, her high visibility and the persistent “draft” movement ensure she remains a central figure in the lead-up to the 2028 contest.