MANILA — Former vice president and Naga City mayor Leni Robredo has categorically ruled out another presidential run in 2028, dismissing renewed speculation about her political comeback despite a recent survey showing her narrowing the gap with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio in a hypothetical presidential contest.
Robredo declared Monday that her decision to stay out of national politics was final, stressing that she had committed to serving Naga City long before seeking the mayoralty.
“It’s been a closed decision for a long time. Nothing will change it. That’s one thing I settled even before I ran for mayor: that I will not use my stint here as a stepping stone, something that I would just do temporarily while waiting for the 2028 elections,” Robredo said.
Her categorical rejection of another national bid came amid renewed political interest following a third-quarter OCTA Research Group survey indicating a narrowing gap between her and Duterte in a hypothetical 2028 presidential matchup.
Robredo, however, insisted that neither favorable survey results nor appeals from supporters would persuade her to reconsider.
“When I ran for mayor, it was part of my decision that I will no longer leave Naga. Even if I decide later on that I will no longer serve as mayor, I won’t return to any national post,” she said.
The former vice president acknowledged that some supporters continued to encourage her to return to the national political arena but maintained that she had already closed that chapter of her political career.
She also cited what she considered her own shortcomings as among the reasons for rejecting another national government position.
Robredo likewise dismissed speculation linking her recent meetings with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to possible political preparations for 2028.
She clarified that the upcoming national elections were never discussed during their visits to Naga City./PN
