Opposition calls for Robredo to run in 2028

MANILA, Philippines —Members of the opposition are urging former vice president and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to reconsider her decision not to seek a national post in 2028. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Robredo’s running mate in 2022, said while the opposition respected, but disagreed with her decision, there was still time to change her mind. “Given her rising poll numbers, I believe that Leni is in the best position to build the broadest and strongest unity not just amongst the ranks of the Liberal Party and our allies but to include all other groups and personalities outside our allied forces who are also looking to participating in the 2028 Presidential elections,” he wrote in a Facebook post late on Tuesday. “With her at the helm going into 2028 and given her current poll numbers that are much higher now than in the run up to the 2022 presidential elections, a formidable coalition, far broader and more inclusive than the one we forged in 2022, can be cobbled together and lead us to victory in 2028,” Pangilinan added. Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, who is currently Liberal Party chairman, said the party respected Robredo's wisdom. “We fully understand what VP/Mayor Leni wants to accomplish for Naga and our fellow Bicolanos… but like many of us, including myself, she’s still the most winnable among the possible opposition candidates,” she said in a Facebook and X post late on Tuesday. Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino Dee also agrees with Pangilinan and De Lima, citing the opposition’s strong showing in last year’s midterm elections. “Because of our strong showing in 2025, the opposition has plenty of strong contenders for 2028 if Mayor Leni’s decision is final. But I also wouldn’t rule out people like Sen. Kiko [Pangilinan] being able to convince her to reconsider,” Dee told The Manila Times in a Messenger chat on Wednesday. In a radio interview on Tuesday, Robredo ruled out running for a national post in the 2028, instead choosing to run for reelection as mayor of Naga City.

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