NAGA City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo has formally and decisively ruled out a run for the presidency in 2028, telling reporters on Monday, November 9, that the decision is final and nothing will change her mind.
Putting an end to months of public speculation, Robredo said she arrived at the conclusion after deep self‑assessment, explaining: “I can do the work, but I am really lacking in the political savviness to successfully navigate national politics.”
Her remarks came even as surveys consistently place her as the strongest potential rival to Vice President Sara Duterte, who has already declared her own candidacy for the highest office.
Robredo noted that her supporters — affectionately known as “Kakampinks” since her 2022 campaign — have been urging her to enter the race, but she emphasized that her focus remains on serving Naga City and seeking re‑election as mayor in 2028.
She expressed openness to backing another contender who is “competent and deserving,” and named several possible alternatives: Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino. She also clarified that she never discussed the 2028 elections with Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon or President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during their meetings.
This is not the first time Robredo has set aside national ambitions; she previously stated in April that she would not pursue another presidential run, describing the three‑year mayoral term as too short to complete all the projects she has started.
Following her defeat in the 2022 presidential election — where she garnered 15 million votes against Marcos’ 31.6 million — she launched the Angat Buhay volunteer program before returning to electoral politics to win the Naga City mayoralty in 2025. With her decision now firmly stated, the field for the 2028 presidential race continues to take shape, with Duterte currently leading preference polls and Robredo stepping back to concentrate on local governance.
metrosundaily
