Civic leader Kiko Aquino-Dee believes former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has a strong “fighting chance” against Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential elections.
Aquino-Dee, a political science professor and grandson of democracy icons Ninoy and Cory Aquino, cited a recent Pulse Asia survey showing only an eight-point gap between the two potential contenders as a major boost for the opposition.
“Si VP Leni yung sinuportahan ko noong 2022 and very exciting nga yung survey results na nakikita natin. Yung eight percent na agwat, parang tingin ko, madadaan na yun sa sipag. I think [there’s] a fighting chance,” Dee said.
Despite Robredo’s previous statements that she does not intend to run for the presidency again, Dee noted that the Liberal Party (LP) and the opposition have other viable options.
He mentioned Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros and his uncle, Senator Bam Aquino, as potential candidates, even though neither is currently a member of the LP.
Dee suggested that if Robredo ultimately decides against a national run, her endorsement would be a “crucial factor” for Hontiveros. He also proposed the possibility of forming a broader coalition for 2028, potentially including Senators Raffy and Erwin Tulfo.
Reflecting on his family’s political history, Dee joked about the personal stress of having a relative in power, recalling the presidency of his late uncle, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
“Nakaka-stress kapag may kamag-anak ka sa Malacanang. I remember, college ako nang Presidente yung tito ko. It was not the most pleasant experience,” he said.
Addressing the perceived friction between the traditional “yellow” bloc and the newer “pink” movement, Dee viewed the differences as a natural evolution of political identity.
“Syempre may disagreements yan. Halimbawa ako, definitely nasa ‘yellow’ yan, and yung hugot ko sa pulitika, comes from that more historical tradition… I think a lot of new blood, parang yung political awakening nila, 2016. So hindi ko ipagkakait sa kanila kung talagang mas ‘pink’ yung dala-dala nila,” he said.