Robredo ‘definite’: Not seeking nat’l post in 2028

MANILA, Philippines — Former Vice President and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo on Monday firmly ruled out running for any national post in the 2028 elections—whether for president or senator—saying she has realized she lacks the “political savvy” required to “navigate national politics.”

“As in definite, kan sinabi ko na dae ako ma run for senator talagang dae ako ma run, kun dae ka ma run for president dae talaga ako ma run (My decision is definite. When I say I will not run for senator, I really mean it. I will not run for president. I definitely will not run),” Robredo told local reporters in an interview after Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at Naga City Hall.

She described herself as better suited for local governance, saying she has long decided not to use the Naga mayoralty as a stepping stone to a higher national post.

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According to Robredo, she made her decision after considerable self-assessment, during which she recognized what she described as her limitations in taking on a national leadership role.

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“I have seen many shortcomings in myself when it comes to taking on a national post. I may be able to handle the work, but I feel I lack the political savvy needed to navigate national politics,” she said.

READ: De Lima hoping Robredo reconsiders decision to ditch bid for nat’l post

Robredo acknowledged that many supporters, particularly members of the “Kakampink” movement which fueled her unsuccessful run for the presidency in 2022, have been urging to seek the country’s highest post again.

No talks with Dizon

At the same time, she clarified that she never discussed a possible team-up with then Public Works, now Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, for the upcoming national elections.

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Robredo also said the matter never came up in her conversations with President Marcos, when the latter visited Naga City to inspect the Oplan Kontra Baha project site.

READ: Leni Robredo urged to decide on 2028 presidential bid by January

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She added that she already made a commitment to stay in Naga when she decided to run for mayor in 2025, even if she eventually chooses not to seek another term.

While she remains willing to help address national concerns, Robredo reiterated that she has no plans to return to national politics.

“Local governance really suits me better. I will help at the national level, but I definitely will not run for president,” she said.

Supporters still hoping

Although Robredo has repeatedly ruled out a second crack at the presidency, her supporters and other members of the opposition remain hopeful she will change her mind.

In April, she told reporters she prefers to remain in Naga, a move analysts said could weaken the opposition’s effort to challenge Vice President Sara Duterte, who has already declared her intention to run for president in 2028.

Robredo said at the time that she plans to seek a second term as city mayor.

The following month, the Liberal Party (LP), which fielded her for vice president along with Mar Roxas in the 2016 national elections, expressed hope that she would reconsider.

According to LP president Erin Tañada, Robredo was in a “better position” to contest the presidency now than in 2022, when she lost to Marcos.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, her running mate in 2022 and LP party chair emeritus, on the other hand, said that they respect her decision even if they disagree with it.

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“We … believe that the national interest will be best served if at some future time she changes her mind and heeds the growing clamor of the people for her to lead the nation’s fight for genuine service and good governance,” Pangilinan said in a statement. —With a report from Inquirer Research