Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has reaffirmed that her decision against running for president in the 2028 elections is final, despite pre-election surveys positioning her as a formidable contender against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Speaking during a media briefing in her locality on Monday, November 9, Robredo stated that while she will not seek the country’s top post, she is open to endorsing a capable candidate from her party, the Liberal Party.
”Ako, open ako to anyone na kaya at deserving… Pero kung ako mismo, talagang hindi na,” Robredo told reporters.
Robredo previously pointed to several potential contenders she considers strong national figures, including Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and Senator Risa Hontiveros. Meanwhile, political analyst Jesus Falcis cited sources indicating that Senator Bam Aquino is Robredo’s preferred candidate within their group, though Aquino has yet to issue a statement.
Despite her announcement, political allies remain optimistic that she might reconsider.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan—Robredo’s 2022 vice-presidential running mate—expressed hope that public sentiment could prompt a change of heart.
De Lima acknowledged that while her choice would be respected, allies are keeping their fingers crossed.
”Whatever her final decision we’re going to respect that. But we’re still keeping our fingers crossed. We’re still hoping that she will change her mind. We in the LP are yet to talk about this but I am sure that we share the same sentiments [of wanting her to run]. Umaasa talaga akong magbabago ang kanyang desisyon. She is the best hope for our country,” De Lima said.
Pangilinan drew parallels to the 2010 presidential election, noting that the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III initially had no plans to run before public pressure led him to become the opposition’s standard-bearer.
”Si dating Pangulong Noynoy nung senador pa sya ay wala ring planong tumakbong presidente. Tinutulan din nya yung unang panawagan ng taumbayn na tumakbo siya sa 2010 pero sa huling banda hindi na siya maka hindi dahil taumbayan na ang nagpasiya at nagsabi na dapat siya tumakbo,” Pangilinan said.
”Sa 2028, naniniwala ako na taumbayan din ang magpapasiya at magtatagumpay para sa bayan,” he added.