Former Senator and current Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima expressed her enduring belief that Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo might still reconsider her stance on the 2028 presidential race.
Despite Robredo’s repeated assertions that she prefers local governance, De Lima noted that the political timeline remains long enough for a shift in strategy, especially given Robredo’s rising performance in early opinion polls.
De Lima emphasized that the Liberal Party (LP) is currently operating under the assumption that Robredo remains their primary standard-bearer for the next national elections.
“As far as LP ay concerned, umaasa kami, ang parang magiging mindset namin is that si VP Leni ay tatakbo kaya ang preparations namin is in that direction.”
(“As far as LP is concerned, we are hoping; our mindset is that VP Leni will run, so our preparations are in that direction.”)
While Robredo is the preferred choice, De Lima clarified that the party is not without alternatives. She identified Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros and Senator Bam Aquino as viable leaders for the opposition should Robredo ultimately decline the nomination.
“Kung hindi naman si VP Leni, kung sino yung mapipili na common opposition candidate but as of now, hindi po kami nawawalan ng pag-asa that VP Leni, Mayor Leni would change her mind and give it a go again for the presidency.”
(“If it is not VP Leni, then whoever is chosen as the common opposition candidate; but as of now, we have not lost hope that VP Leni, Mayor Leni would change her mind and give it a go again for the presidency.”)
De Lima described Robredo as the most significant threat to Vice President Sara Duterte’s 2028 ambitions. Recent surveys support this “formidable” label; according to an OCTA Research poll conducted in March 2026, Robredo surged to 21% in voter preference, narrowing the gap with Duterte, who dipped to 33%.
In a hypothetical head-to-head matchup, the same pollster found Duterte leading with 46% against Robredo’s 35%, a margin that has notably tightened compared to previous years.
“Nakikita po namin siya (VP Leni) ang pinaka-malakas (na kandidato) na puwedeng makatalo, kung hindi po ma-convict si VP Sara (sa impeachment trial) ay siya po ang may pinaka-malakas na chance na makatalo kay VP Sara (sa eleksyon). She’s the most formidable opponent for VP Sara.”
(“We see her [VP Leni] as the strongest candidate who can win; if VP Sara is not convicted [in the impeachment trial], she has the strongest chance of defeating VP Sara [in the election]. She’s the most formidable opponent for VP Sara.”)
Despite the statistical momentum and public clamor from high-profile supporters like Sharon Cuneta and Vice Ganda, Robredo has maintained her commitment to her role in Naga City, recently stating her intention to serve out her terms in local government.