MEMBERS of the opposition have renewed their call for former vice president and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to reconsider her decision not to run in the 2028 presidential elections.
Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Robredo’s running mate in 2022, said while the opposition respects her decision, it disagrees with it, noting there is 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 participate in the 2028 Presidential elections,” Pangilinan said on Facebook 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,” he added.
The former Liberal Party (LP) chairman said should Robredo refuse to run, it could create a leadership vacuum that cannot be adequately filled by other contenders.
This, he said, could lead to disunity and splintering of the opposition and its potential allies.
“The net effect will be the fielding of various political parties and groups of their respective Presidential bets, further weakening our chances and delivering victory to our adversaries,” Pangilinan said.
In a statement in Filipino, the LP echoed Pangilinan’s statement.
“Although this brings us great sadness, we respect Mayor Leni Robredo’s most recent statement regarding the upcoming 2028 elections. Nevertheless, as we continue to follow her achievements in Naga, we sincerely pray that the day will come when she hears the call of our growing number of fellow Filipinos: that she would once again lead the campaign for honest and effective governance,” it read.
“In the face of global crises and widespread revelations of anomalies in our government, many Filipinos are now deeply yearning for leadership that can truly respond to their needs. Now more than ever, we need leadership that serves the people, rather than rulers who act like kings and squander the nation’s wealth. The upcoming election will not only determine the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos; its outcome will also shape the future path that the Philippines will take,” it added.
The LP noted that Robredo is enjoying support way beyond her party.
“Many young people who are only now becoming politically aware have expressed admiration for her. Numerous personalities and institutions have shown willingness to contribute should she decide to run for president. And the respect and recognition she receives from our partners and allies in the international community are undeniable,” it said.
Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, who chairs the Liberal Party, said the opposition respects Robredo’s wisdom.
Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino Dee said that should Robredo decide not to run, the opposition has a lot of substitutes with 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 on Wednesday.
In a radio interview on Tuesday, Robredo ruled out running for a higher position in the 2028 elections, noting she intends to run for another term as Naga City mayor.
“I am very sure about myself that I’ll no longer run for any national post,” Robredo said in Bicolano.