Robredo: No Single ‘Savior’ For Opposition; Aquino, Hontiveros, Pangilinan, Belmonte, Roxas Floated As Possible Presidential Bets In 2028

Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo stressed on Wednesday, April 22, that people should “move away from the mentality that there is a single savior” following her announcement that she would not run for president in 2028.

“No one has a monopoly on capability,” she asserted.

Robredo maintained there are other options to choose from unlike in the 2022 general polls.

She cited Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who is term-limited in the next elections, and Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, who both had a strong showing in last year’s midterm polls.

Robredo also named Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, whom she said would make a good president, although she acknowledged his ineligibility due to his age.

“Another mayor I see who could make a good president is Joy Belmonte,” she added, referring to the Quezon City mayor.

Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice, a Liberal Party stalwart, said former senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas III is being considered as a possible standard bearer of the opposition for the 2028 elections, especially if Robredo decides not to run.

Erice said , in terms of credentials, experience, and integrity, Roxas fits the profile of a potential opposition candidate.

He noted that some of Roxas’ close allies are encouraging him to reconsider a presidential bid.

The lawmaker cited the need to prioritize qualifications over popularity in choosing national leaders.

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV expressed support for Hontiveros if she decides to run as the opposition's presidential bet in the 2028 elections.

Trillanes said Hontiveros is qualified to lead the country.

Trillanes added Robredo should endorse either Aquino or Hontiveros for the presidential elections if she is not going to run.

“Mas maganda nito, ang gawin ni Mayor Leni, kung ayaw na niya tumakbo, i-endorse na niya either si Senator Bam o si Senator Risa para talagang malipat sa kanila iyong suporta,” Trillanes said.

LP not giving up

Although they respect her decision not to run for a national post in the 2028 general elections, LP is hoping that Robredo will change her mind and seek the presidency anew.

“Based on her rising survey numbers and her ability to inspire many Filipinos, we firmly believe that Mayor Leni Robredo is in a strong position to build a broad and formidable coalition,” LP said in a statement on Wednesday.

“It is not only the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos that are at stake in the coming elections; its outcome will also determine the path the Philippines will take in the future,” it added.

House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Leila de Lima is wishing for Robredo’s change of mind.

Manila 6th district Rep. Benny Abante said Robredo is the only potential opponent against Vice President Sara Duterte.

On Tuesday, April 21, Pangilinan warned that Robredo’s refusal to run “may create a leadership vacuum that I am afraid cannot be adequately filled by other contenders.”

This in turn, Pangilinan noted, “could lead to disunity amongst our ranks and the splintering of not just our forces but of all potential allies outside our ranks.”

“The net effect will be the fielding of various political parties and groups of their respective presidential bets, further weakening our chances and delivering victory to our adversaries. We must forge the broadest unity possible for the cause of good governance and win this for our people and work together for a better future for our children,” Pangilinan, who is LP chair emeritus, said.

Rallying point

In an interview with “Sa Totoo Lang” on One PH  on Wednesday, Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno greeted Robredo a “happy birthday” as he expressed hope that she would talk to the whole opposition with regard her decision not to run for president in 2028.

“Happy birthday po, Ma’am Leni. Sana naman ay makapag-usap, hindi lang naman ako, kundi lahat ng nasa opposition sa inyo,” sabi ni Diokno.

Diokno also said he was hoping for a clear and swift process in selecting an opposition presidential candidate before the year ends.

Robredo is celebrating her birthday today, April 23. She is now 61.

On “Afternoon Delight” on One News on Wednesday, political scientist Antonio Contreras said if Robredo cannot run as a candidate, she could instead serve as a symbol and rallying point to unite anti-Duterte forces.