Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan remains hopeful that former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo will change her mind and mount another presidential bid in the 2028 elections.
Speaking in a radio interview, Pangilinan revealed that modern efforts to persuade Robredo to run again are actively underway.
He pointed out that her numbers in recent pre-election surveys are notably stronger than her standing during the 2022 elections, where she was defeated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Siya (Leni) ang hinahanap ng tao, ang sitwasyon, kailangan ng matino at mahusay na pamamahala,” Pangilinan said.
The senator emphasized that the nation is still in dire need of a leader dedicated to transparent governance, integrity, and rebuilding the public’s faith in state institutions.
“Ang clamor ng publiko ay good governance lalo na ngayon and so we are doing our best to convince her pero ang pinaka-maganda ay pag mismong taong bayan na mismo ang tumatawag at nanawagan na lumaban sya eh palagay ko makukumbinse rin sya,” he added.
While Robredo has repeatedly stated that she has no intentions of returning to national politics—reiterating her preference to focus on local governance in Naga City—speculation about her 2028 plans refuses to die down.
Her persistent presence near the top of early surveys positions her as a major potential contender in a race that could also feature Vice President Sara Duterte.
Pangilinan was Robredo’s vice-presidential running mate in 2022. Their opposition ticket lost to the formidable UniTeam alliance of President Marcos and Vice President Duterte, who have since transitioned from political allies to bitter rivals.