Leni Robredo won't run for president in 2028, will support 'deserving' candidate

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Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo on Monday reiterated that she has no plans to run for president in the upcoming 2028 national elections.

Robredo, who previously served as vice president, remains among the potential presidential contenders in recent preference surveys.

However, in a media briefing in Naga City on Monday, she reaffirmed her decision to skip the May 2028 presidential race, expressing her willingness instead to support any deserving candidate.

“Ako, open ako to anyone na kaya at deserving… Pero kung ako mismo, talagang hindi na,” Robredo told reporters.

(I am open to supporting anyone who is capable and deserving... But as for myself running, it is really out of the question.)

She identified several individuals whom she views as strong candidates for the country's top post.

“Na-mention ko naman na 'yan dati. Pero among the local government officials, feeling ko matibay si Mayor Joy [Belmonte], si Mayor Vico [Sotto]... Si Senator Risa, nagsabi interesado siya,” Robredo said.

(I’ve mentioned this before, but among local government officials, I feel Mayor Joy Belmonte and Mayor Vico Sotto are strong candidates... Senator Risa has also expressed interest.)

She added that there are also potential contenders to consider from her political party, such as incumbent senator Kiko Pangilinan as well as former Liberal Party member Bam Aquino.

Robredo stressed that a presidential candidate must be capable of transcending political divides.

Reacting to political surveys where she continues to rank among presidential choices, the former vice president expressed gratitude for the public's trust, describing the support as a carryover from her 2022 campaign.

“Ako, nagpapasalamat man ako sa tiwala, pero 'yon nga rin sabi ko ang desisyon ko hali na sa mga self-assessment, ka mga kakulangan ko,” Robredo said.

(I am grateful for the trust, but as I’ve said, my decision comes from a thorough self-assessment and recognizing my own limitations.)

Reflecting on her experience in both national and local office, Robredo noted that the two roles are vastly different.

She emphasized that the country's next leader must have the strength and resolve to handle national-level challenges, especially since it requires overseeing the whole system of the government. —KG, GMA News