MANILA — Former Vice President and incumbent Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo could emerge as a formidable presidential candidate for the 2028 elections if an impeachment court finds Vice President Sara Duterte guilty, according to a pre-election survey by research firm Tangere.
The nationwide poll, conducted from September 30 to October 3 among 1,800 respondents with a margin of error of \pm 2.4\%, showed Robredo capturing 29% of the voting preference. She placed ahead of the Vice President’s brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who secured 22%.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go followed closely with 18%, trailed by Senator Raffy Tulfo at 14%, Senate President Win Gatchalian at 5%, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. at 4%, and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III at 1%. Meanwhile, 7% of the respondents remained undecided or did not specify a candidate.
Despite the survey figures, Robredo has previously maintained that a bid for the 2028 elections is not currently on her mind.
PADILLA AND AQUINO LEAD EARLY VICE PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCES
The potential vice-presidential race points to a high-stakes showdown between a prominent Duterte ally and a member of the opposition’s pink coalition, as Senators Robin Padilla and Bam Aquino frontrunner the early preference polls.
Padilla, recognized for his staunch support of the Duterte family, topped the list with 28% voter preference. He was closely followed by Aquino, who garnered 23%.
Both legislators have earlier disclaimed any immediate intentions of running for higher office.
The rest of the vice-presidential preferences featured Senator Erwin Tulfo at 12%, Senator Risa Hontiveros at 11%, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong at 5%, and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon at 4%, with 17% of participants withholding their choices.