MANILA – Senator Bam Aquino recognized calls for former vice president and incumbent Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to run again for a national post in the 2028 elections.

“Siyempre maraming nagnanais na tumakbo siya, but you have to ask her also kung anong plano niya,” Aquino said in an ambush interview.
(Of course, many want her to run, but you also have to ask her about her plans.)

The remarks came after a recent gathering of key opposition figures, including Aquino, Robredo, Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros, Representatives Leila De Lima and Chel Diokno, former Senator Franklin Drilon, and former Budget Secretary Butch Abad.

“It was more like a reunion, honestly. Matagal na rin kaming hindi nagkikita-kita. At siyempre, napag-usapan rin namin ‘yung mga nangyayari sa ating bansa, nangyayari rin sa iba’t-iba naming mga adbokasiya. And it was nice to get to see everybody as well,” Aquino said.
(We haven’t seen each other for a long time. Of course, we also talked about what is happening in our country and in our various advocacies. It was nice to see everyone again.)

Asked about the prospects of a united opposition in 2028, Aquino emphasized cooperation among groups.

“Mahalaga na merong mga ganyang moves for 2028. Mahalaga na nagsasama-sama ang iba’t-ibang mga grupo, hindi lang ‘yung mga taong nasa meeting ngayon. Kailangan talagang magtulungan tayo at hindi lang para sa next election, ‘yung mga problema ng bayan ngayon napakatindi,” he said.
(It’s important to have initiatives for 2028. It’s important that different groups come together, not just the people at today’s meeting. We need to work together, not just for the next election, but for the pressing problems of the nation today.)

Robredo, who ran for president in 2022 with Pangilinan as her running mate, recently posted about having a rare lunch with colleagues she “have fought many fights with,” signaling ongoing coordination among opposition leaders ahead of the next national elections.