Former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV urged Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to publicly endorse either Sen. Bam Aquino or Senator Risa Hontiveros for the 2028 presidential race after she confirmed she will not return to national politics and will instead seek a second straight term as mayor.
Trillanes said Robredo’s support base should be redirected early to avoid fragmentation in the next election, framing her endorsement as a crucial step in consolidating opposition votes. “Mas maganda nito, ang gawin ni Mayor Leni, kung ayaw na niya tumakbo, i-endorse na niya either si Sen. Bam o si Sen. Risa para talagang malipat sa kanila iyong suporta,” he said.
In ruling out a presidential bid, Robredo said she wants to be more effective in Naga and cited the limits of completing reforms within a three-year term under government processes. Her decision removes a major opposition figure from the national race despite early mentions of her name in voter preference surveys.
Trillanes confirmed that the Magdalo group has already chosen its preferred candidate and is backing Hontiveros for president. “We have evaluated the prospective candidates and we want to push for Sen. Risa for president. She has the qualifications. Tumitindig, lumalaban, ipaglalaban ka,” he said.
He reiterated that position in a separate interview, saying Hontiveros stood out among qualified names including Aquino and Robredo. “Base sa pagkikilatis namin, si Senator Risa Hontiveros po ang susuportahan po namin,” he said, adding that her stance on key issues influenced their decision.
Trillanes also ruled out a return to electoral politics and said he will focus on supporting candidates in the next election cycle. “Hindi na po, tayo ay magsu-support na lang,” he said.
Robredo has not responded to the endorsement call. Her decision to remain in local government reshapes early positioning within the opposition as groups begin identifying a standard-bearer for 2028.
