Political Analyst Calls for Leni Robredo's 2028 Presidential Bid Against Sara Duterte
A prominent political commentator has publicly urged Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to consider running for president again in the 2028 elections, positioning her as the most viable opponent to incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte. The analyst suggests that Robredo's potential candidacy could serve as a crucial counterbalance to Duterte's early declaration of presidential ambitions.
The Duterte Factor and Historical Parallels
Vice President Sara Duterte has already openly declared her intention to seek the presidency in 2028, with her confidence reportedly stemming from the continued influence of the Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS) in Philippine politics. However, concerns have emerged about what a Duterte presidency might mean for the nation's governance.
The commentator draws historical parallels to the 1980s, when the country faced a dictatorship and Corazon "Cory" Aquino emerged as a heroic symbol of opposition following her husband Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino's assassination. Cory Aquino eventually led the 1986 EDSA People Power uprising that toppled the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of current President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
While acknowledging that the Dutertes are not identical to the original Marcos regime, the analyst expresses apprehension that Sara Duterte might reinstate governance styles reminiscent of her father's administration. Former President Rodrigo Duterte, currently imprisoned in The Hague for crimes against humanity, implemented controversial policies during his term that continue to spark debate.
The Political Landscape and Robredo's Dilemma
The political dynamics have shifted significantly since the 2022 elections. Sara Duterte initially formed the "Uniteam" alliance with Bongbong Marcos, but that coalition has since fractured, with DDS supporters regularly criticizing President Marcos. In 2022, Marcos, backed by both Marcos loyalists and DDS supporters, defeated Robredo and liberal forces in the presidential race.
Robredo subsequently ran for and won the mayoral election in Naga City in 2025, placing her in a difficult position. She must now decide whether to continue her work as mayor or respond to calls from political forces who view her as the strongest potential candidate to challenge Sara Duterte in 2028.
The 2022 presidential election revealed that liberal forces alone cannot defeat unified right-wing factions in a legal political contest. However, the political right is no longer as united as it once was, while liberal groups have maintained their presence despite the 2022 defeat. This creates an opportunity for liberal forces to strengthen through strategic alliances and coalition-building ahead of the 2028 elections.
Potential Alliances and Political Calculations
Interestingly, there is growing discussion about a potential Robredo-Marcos unified front against DDS influence—a scenario that would have seemed improbable to political purists just a few years ago. Philippine politics has repeatedly demonstrated that unexpected alliances can form when political power is at stake.
If the objective is to weaken right-wing influence and restore liberal leadership, such a coalition might prove strategically sound. President Marcos has shown more liberal tendencies than dictatorial ones during his administration, further supporting the argument for collaboration.
The analyst concludes that a Robredo presidency would represent a preferable outcome to a Sara Duterte administration after Marcos completes his term in 2028. A shift toward center-left policies would benefit the nation more than a move toward right-wing governance, making Robredo's potential candidacy a matter of significant national importance.
