Vice Ganda met with Leni Robredo in Naga City, drawing attention online and reigniting public calls for the former vice president to reconsider a potential presidential bid in the 2028 elections.
The meeting took place during the Isarog International Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival 2026, where Vice Ganda appeared as a celebrity guest. Robredo, who currently serves as mayor of Naga, shared the stage with the television host and thanked him for accepting her invitation.
“Hindi lang sila lahat taga-Naga. Dumayo sila just for you. Kaya maraming-maraming salamat,” Robredo said, referring to fans who traveled across the Bicol region to attend the event.
During his remarks, Vice Ganda openly expressed admiration and support for Robredo, calling her a symbol of hope.
“Lahat ng panawagan n’yo sa amin didinggin namin. Sana dinggin mo rin ang panawagan namin,” he said, drawing cheers from the audience.
“You are our hope. We need you to continue hoping for a wonderful future not just for our families but for the entire Philippines,” he added.
The comedian also highlighted the optimism felt in Naga under Robredo’s leadership.
“Naga is the heart; you are our heart. You are our hope. We need you to continue hoping for a wonderful future, not just for our families, but for the entire Philippines. Tama? Gusto naming maranasan ‘yung luwag ng kalooban,” Vice said.
At one point, Vice Ganda made a deep bow before Robredo as he urged her to heed public calls. He tempered expectations, however, noting that any announcement would come later.
“‘Wag kang ma-pressure. Next year pa tayo mag-a-announce. For now, ie-enjoy muna ni Madam Leni ang Naga. Hindi pa niya iniisip ‘yon kasi bilang mayor, talagang ang utak at katawan niya ay naka-devote sa inyong lahat,” he said.
“Pero pagkatapos no’n, baka naman,” he added, tapping her shoulders.
In a lighthearted moment, the comedian joked, “Magpapakalalaki ako, tumakbo ka lang ulit.”
Vice also addressed Naga residents, saying they are fortunate to have a leader like Robredo.
“Pahiram naman! Gusto rin namin ng ganyan,” he quipped.
The interaction quickly gained traction online, with some netizens expressing hope that Vice Ganda could persuade Robredo to reconsider her earlier statement that she does not plan to run for national office in 2028.
Prior to this, Sharon Cuneta also issued an open letter encouraging Robredo to change her mind, while Ogie Diaz has similarly voiced support for her possible return to national politics.
Robredo previously confirmed that she intends to focus on her role as mayor, citing the challenges of governance and the limited timeframe to implement her plans for the city.
“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.
Despite her stance, public clamor for a potential comeback continues to grow, with Vice Ganda reiterating that leadership decisions often evolve in response to the desire to serve.
“Marami namang nagsabi na kung sila lang, hindi na sila tatakbo, pero dahil sa clamor at sa kagustuhan nilang makapagsilbi. Kasi ang desisyon ng pagtakbo at pagiging pangulo ay hindi naman desisyon para sa sarili. Kaya maraming tao ang naiiba ‘yung desisyon nila kasi nare-realize nilang this is not just about me,” he said in a separate interview.
