Sen. Kiko Pangilinan said he respects former Vice President Leni Robredo’s decision not to seek a national post in the 2028 elections and to remain focused on local governance in Naga City, but said he still hopes she changes her mind.
Pangilinan said that while he honors Robredo’s choice, he remains hopeful that she will reconsider. “We respect her decision even as we disagree with it and 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,” he said.
The senator added that he believes Robredo is in the “best position” to build the broadest and strongest unity among the Liberal Party and its allies, adding that her decision to not run may create a “leadership vacuum” that may not be adequately filled by other contenders and could lead to a lack of unity and weakened chances.
“I hope I am wrong but Leni’s refusal to run, may create a leadership vacuum that I am afraid cannot be adequately filled by other contenders,” he said. “The net effect willl be the fielding of various political parties and groups of their respective Presidential bets, further weakening our chances and delivering victory to our adversaries.”
Robredo earlier confirmed she will not run for any national position in 2028 and is inclined to seek a second term as mayor of Naga City. She cited the limitations of a three-year term and the need to continue ongoing programs as reasons for staying in local government.
