Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima expressed hope on Tuesday that her long-time political ally, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, might still reverse her decision to skip the 2028 presidential elections.
Despite Robredo’s recent pronouncements that she is closing the door on national politics to prioritize her leadership in Naga City, De Lima maintained that the former Vice President remains the most formidable figure for the opposition.
“We fully understand what VP/Mayor Leni wants to accomplish for Naga and our fellow Bicolanos,” De Lima stated in a social media post.
“Pero tulad ng marami sa atin, including myself, umaasa talaga tayo na magbabago pa sya ng isip because for us, she’s still the most winnable among the possible opposition candidates.”
Robredo, who took the helm as Mayor of Naga after her 2022 presidential run, has consistently signaled her intent to remain in local government. However, the call for her return to the national stage persists among key members of the Liberal Party.
While De Lima continues to advocate for a Robredo candidacy, she emphasized that the final decision rests solely with the Mayor.
“In the end, we leave it to VP/Mayor Leni. We trust her wisdom. Buo ang tiwala natin na nandyan lang sya palagi, handang tumugon sa tawag ng tungkulin para sa Naga at sa buong bansa,” De Lima added.