The possibility of a 2028 presidential tandem between Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Senator Bam Aquino is generating buzz among political observers, with many seeing it as a strategic move for the so-called “legitimate” opposition.
Analysts suggest that Robredo’s potential return to the presidential race could gain strong momentum if paired with Aquino, who shocked many with his second-place finish in the 2025 senatorial elections.
Aquino’s dominance in the vote-rich Lingayen-Lucena corridor—including Mega Manila—has historically been a decisive factor in national races, including the 2022 victories of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The perceived weakening of the Marcos-Duterte “UniTeam” coalition, combined with the growing influence of the youth vote—which helped elect Aquino and fellow opposition figure Senator Kiko Pangilinan—adds to the momentum behind a possible Robredo-Aquino ticket.
Further fueling speculation is a recent Tangere survey, where a Robredo-Aquino tandem emerged as the potential biggest threat to a possible Sara Duterte–Bong Go ticket.
Sources close to Robredo say it remains uncertain whether she will run again in 2028, with her current focus on delivering effective governance in Naga City.
So far, Senator Risa Hontiveros is the only opposition figure who has openly expressed interest in seeking a higher position in 2028.