Leni Robredo Declines 2028 Presidential Run, Focuses on Naga City

Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has stated she made a decision regarding a potential run for the presidency in 2028 “a long time ago,” responding to renewed speculation ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Naga City on Saturday, February 21.

Robredo addressed the questions during an interview with local media on Friday, February 20, saying, “Others have been telling me that I should decide. I had decided a long time ago,” according to a report by Rappler.com.

The timing of Robredo’s comments coincides with increased political discussion following Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement earlier this week that she intends to contest the 2028 presidential election. Marcos’ visit to Naga City, a former stronghold for Robredo, has further fueled speculation about potential political maneuvering. However, Robredo clarified that the President’s visit, scheduled as early as January 26, is related to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) “Oplan Kontra Baha” flood mitigation program.

Marcos is scheduled to visit the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, a major evacuation center in Naga City, following a request from the local government for repairs. Robredo indicated that the request had reached the President’s office and was reinforced during a meeting with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier in February, who reportedly stated the coliseum required immediate attention due to its structural condition. He is similarly expected to assess the local government’s ongoing flood mitigation efforts, which have focused on clearing clogged waterways since 2025.

These efforts were initiated in response to the extensive damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) in 2024, which prompted the local government to trace and clear lost creeks and waterways.

Robredo’s previous statements in October 2024 indicated a similar stance, when she dismissed the possibility of a presidential run, citing her commitment to her duties as Naga City mayor. She reiterated this priority on Friday, stating her reluctance to be “distracted” from her work in Naga and expressing her desire to avoid frequent absences from the city.

Robredo was a prominent challenger to Marcos Jr. In the 2022 presidential election, securing 14.8 million votes compared to Marcos’ 31 million. An analyst at politiko.com.ph has suggested Robredo could defeat Duterte in 2028 with an endorsement from Marcos Jr., a scenario that remains speculative.