Leni Robredo reiterates stand: ‘No national bid in 2028’

MANILA, Philippines — Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo on Monday, Nov. 9, pointed out that the decision not to return to national politics came even before she ran and eventually won as local chief executive of the city that her late husband had led for almost 20 years.

She said this in a local radio interview as she reiterated that nothing would change her decision not to seek the presidency in the 2028 elections a few days since she was asked to decide by January next year to give herself enough time to prepare for the campaign.

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

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“It’s been closed. Nothing will change that,” she said in Bikol, pointing out that when she ran for mayor, “that was part of my decision, that I will no longer leave Naga [City].”

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Based on the result of the latest survey conducted by Octa Research, the gap between Vice President Sara Duterte and Robredo narrowed by 7 percentage points, with 40% saying they would vote for Duterte and 33% saying they would back Robredo.

But for Robredo, who served as vice president from 2016 to 2022, even if later on, she decides not to run as mayor, “I won’t return to any national post,” saying that she has settled that she will not take advantage of her local stint as a “stepping stone.”

Robredo earlier said she really has no plan to seek the presidency in 2028 and will, instead, seek a reelection in Naga City. 

She said her decision came 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.

Robredo acknowledged that many supporters, particularly members of the “Kakampink” movement, had continued to press her to seek the presidency in 2028.

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She clarified, however, that she had never discussed a possible tandem with Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon in the next presidential race.

Talks with Marcos

Robredo also said the matter never came up in her conversations with President Ferdinad Marcos Jr., whom she spoke with during his visit to Naga City to inspect the Oplan Kontra Baha project site.

Robredo said she had already made a commitment to stay in Naga when she decided to run for mayor, 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.

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“Local governance really suits me better. I will help at the national level, but I definitely will not run for president,” she said. WITH ADDITIONAL REPORT FROM MICHAEL B. JAUCIAN /ms