Leni rules out 2028 presidential run, eyes second term in Naga

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April 21, 2026 | 5:01pm

MANILA, Philippines — Leni Robredo has ruled out a return to national politics in 2028, saying she plans to stay focused on her work as mayor of Naga City.

The former vice president said she has already made up her mind, according to an interview with DWNX RMN Naga on Tuesday, April 21.

Robredo, elected in 2025 as Naga’s first female mayor, said her administration has made headway, but still faces unfinished work.

She pointed to the limits of a three-year term in completing reforms, especially within the constraints of the usual bureaucracy in government.

Robredo said she is likely to seek a second term as Naga mayor.

Her remarks come amid calls from some supporters for her to consider another presidential bid. Recent surveys, including those by OCTA Research, have tracked early public sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential race, where her name has been floated alongside other potential contenders.

But Robredo said a national comeback is no longer under consideration. “Malayo na sa horizon ko na babalik pa ako sa national (It's already a distant possibility for me to returning to the national),” she said. 

Who exactly the opposition will field in 2028 remains unclear. In February, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, responding to a reporter's question, said she'd be willing to gun for the presidency or the vice presidency if it is the consensus of a "united opposition" for her to do so.  

Whichever slate or team is formed by the opposition, Hontiveros said she'd support them.