MANILA — Senator Erwin Tulfo confirmed that he will not seek a higher post in the 2028 national elections, putting to rest speculation that he could be a running mate of former Vice President and incumbent Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo if she decides to run for president.

In an ambush interview, Tulfo emphasized that neither he nor his older brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, is planning to pursue higher office in 2028.

“Leni Robredo siguro at saka mga kasamahan niya sa Liberal,” he said, leaving any decision to Robredo and her allies.

The Leni-Erwin tandem was previously suggested by a political analyst as a potential match-up against Vice President Sara Duterte, who recently announced her presidential bid for 2028.

Tulfo cited political fatigue as a major reason for stepping back. “Nakakataba po ng puso pero I don’t have plans eh…Hindi pa nga tapos ‘yung 2025, last year, nakita ninyo naman, kaliwa’t kanan ang batikos, demanda sa Comelec, left and right,” he said.

He added that while his brother Raffy may consider seeking reelection, he personally has no intention of running for higher office. “Ako din po, napagusapan namin na I don’t [have] plans to run for higher office. Ang hirap pala,” he said.

Tulfo suggested that other opposition figures, including Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros, could be better prospects as Robredo’s potential running mate. “Siguro ‘pag walang wala na. Walang nang tao sa mundo, ako na lang at si Madam Leni, ‘tsaka papayag,” he added, noting that he would only consider it as a last resort.

Hontiveros has previously said she remains open to running for president or vice president in 2028 if the united opposition agrees on her candidacy.