Former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo appears disinterested in returning to national politics, saying she prefers to focus on local governance rather than seek the presidency in the 2028 elections.
In a Facebook post by journalist Dindo Balares, a close friend of Robredo, he shared a short conversation they had during a recent meet-up. Balares said he mentioned ongoing efforts by various groups encouraging Robredo to consider another presidential bid.
This includes reports that former Bacolod City Mayor and Congressman Monico Puentevella plans to visit Robredo to personally urge her to run in 2028.
According to Balares, Robredo repeated the question before giving her response: “Naku, dito na lang ako (sa Naga), ang dami-daming problemang dapat asikasuhin dito. Mas magagawa nating ayusin dito. Sila na lang doon, ang gugulo nila.”
Balares noted that since assuming office as Naga City mayor, Robredo has drawn increased interest from investors and tourists. Various local government delegations have also been visiting Naga for benchmarking and immersion programs.
He added that Robredo’s stance reflects her belief that meaningful governance reforms can begin at the local level.
“Kung hindi kayang magsindi ng transformational leadership at pagbabago ang Malacañang, Senado, at House of Representatives, puwede itong gawin sa mga bayan at siyudad,” Balares wrote.
Robredo ran for president in the May 2022 national elections but lost to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. She has since focused on local leadership in Naga and her ongoing humanitarian initiatives.
