MANILA — Former Vice President Leni Robredo has shut the door on a return to national politics in 2028, declaring instead that she will likely seek reelection as mayor of Naga City to continue unfinished local programs she says cannot be completed within a single term.
In a radio interview on Tuesday, Robredo made clear her political trajectory is now anchored at the grassroots level, emphasizing that governance challenges and ongoing projects in Naga demand continuity rather than a shift to the national stage.
“Sigurado na ako sa sarili ko na hindi na ko ma-national,” Robredo said in an interview over DWNX radio on Tuesday.
Robredo stressed that while her administration has begun meeting key targets, significant work remains, particularly in sustaining development gains and addressing long-standing local concerns.
“Sa hiling ko considerably, maa-achieve ta man si mga pigset nin … pero beyond that kadakol pang gigibuhon,” she added.
She also underscored the constraints of a three-year term, describing it as too short to fully implement her plans, especially amid bureaucratic processes and limitations beyond her control.
“Ako sa tingin ko, ang three years maiksi. Maiksi siya para gawin ang lahat. In fact, very frustrating para sa akin… na marami ang gusto kong gawin na hindi ko mamadali dahil kailangan kong i-navigate ang bureaucracy. Dahil marami rin ang hindi ko control,” she said.
Given these challenges, Robredo signaled her intention to seek another term.
“Ako most probably, magsi-seek pa ako ng second term [as Naga City mayor],” she added.
Robredo made history in 2025 as the first woman elected mayor of Naga City. Despite persistent calls from supporters urging her to mount another national bid, she reiterated that her focus remains on delivering results locally and ensuring continuity in programs already underway./PN
