Former Akbayan Party-list Representative Barry Gutierrez believes it is highly unlikely that former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo will run for president in the 2028 elections.
In a television interview, Gutierrez — who previously served as spokesperson for the Office of the Vice President under Robredo — said her decision to seek the mayoralty of Naga City was rooted in the community’s desire to continue the legacy of her late husband, former Naga City Mayor and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.
“Ang kanyang intention talaga is to serve (Naga) for the next nine years,” Gutierrez said.
He added, “Malapit talaga sa puso naman talaga ni VP Leni ang Naga, and a large part of that is really because of yung legacy ni Mayor Jesse. So she went back there because she felt na medyo may mga kailangan ayusin, and she wants to be at the forefront of that.”
Gutierrez noted that based on Robredo’s actions, she appears more focused on completing all three terms as mayor rather than joining the 2028 presidential race.
“Ako, if we base it on what she has been saying, if we base it on what she has been doing, especially since she got elected mayor, I think that’s close to zero,” he said.
Robredo ran for president in the 2022 elections but lost to President Bongbong Marcos.
Despite her quieter presence in national politics, surveys continue to show her as a potential contender who could challenge a possible presidential bid by Vice President Sara Duterte in 2028.