MANILA — Former Vice President Leni Robredo is deemed as the opposition’s most formidable potential challenger to Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in the 2028 presidential race, with lawmakers confirming that consolidation talks are underway ahead of a year-end decision on a unified slate.
Caloocan’s Cong. Edgar Erice said Robredo, now serving as mayor of Naga City, remains the opposition’s strongest standard-bearer should she decide to seek the presidency anew.
“Isa lang ang panlaban kay VP Sara – si former VP Leni Robredo,” Erice said in an interview with the media on Thursday.
Robredo previously ran for president in the 2022 national elections but lost to incumbent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Erice disclosed that opposition groups are currently organizing and holding consultations aimed at forming a complete lineup of candidates before the end of the year.
“Ngayon wala pa, sinasabi ng mga kasama namin, nag-organize kami, and hopefully before the end of the year we can come up with our candidates,” Erice said.
He added that strategic discussions are ongoing, including whether the opposition should align with the current administration or pursue an independent course in 2028.
“Whether we will coalesce with the administration or we will fight alone. Para sa akin, we should fight alone,” he said.
The lawmaker rejected the idea of forging alliances with the administration, citing corruption concerns as a major consideration.
Opposition leaders are expected to intensify consultations in the coming months as they finalize their strategy and determine who will take on Duterte-Carpio in what is shaping up to be an early political showdown for 2028./PN
