MANILA — Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo on Monday reiterated that she would not seek the presidency in the 2028 national elections, saying her decision was final despite continuing to rank among potential presidential contenders in preference surveys.

In a media briefing in Naga City, the former vice president said she was open to supporting other candidates whom she considered capable and deserving of the country’s highest elective position.

“Ako, open ako to anyone na kaya at deserving… Pero kung ako mismo, talagang hindi na,” Robredo told reporters.

She also dismissed the possibility of reconsidering her decision, saying she had already settled the matter before running for mayor in 2025 and had no intention of leaving local government to return to national politics.

“It’s really closed. Nothing can change that,” Robredo said in Bikol during a radio interview on Monday, November 9.

Robredo said her decision not to pursue the presidency was part of her commitment when she sought the mayoralty, adding that she would not use her current position as a stepping stone toward the 2028 elections.

Among the potential presidential candidates she identified were Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who has expressed interest in seeking the presidency.

“Na-mention ko naman na ‘yan dati. Pero among the local government officials, feeling ko matibay si Mayor Joy [Belmonte], si Mayor Vico [Sotto]… Si Senator Risa, nagsabi interesado siya,” she said.

She also cited possible contenders from her political circle, including Senator Kiko Pangilinan, her running mate in the 2022 elections, and former Liberal Party member Bam Aquino.

Robredo emphasized that the next president should be capable of bridging political divisions and managing the demands of national leadership.

Despite her continued presence in early presidential preference surveys, Robredo said she was grateful for the public’s confidence but maintained that her decision stemmed from an assessment of her own capabilities and limitations.

“Ako, nagpapasalamat man ako sa tiwala, pero ‘yon nga rin sabi ko ang desisyon ko hali na sa mga self-assessment, ka mga kakulangan ko,” she said.

The mayor said her experience in both national and local government had given her a clearer understanding of the differences between the two positions and the qualities required to lead the country.

She acknowledged that national leadership requires political skills and communication abilities that she believes she lacks.

“Maybe I could handle the job, but my political savvy really seems lacking,” she said. “At the national level, you need to be a strong communicator. I’m weak at that.”

She added that national leaders must be able to manage political dynamics alongside their responsibilities in government.

“At the national level, people largely believe what they read, how you’re portrayed,” she said, contrasting the demands of national politics with her work in Naga, where she believes she can concentrate more on governance.

Robredo remains among potential contenders

Robredo’s decision comes as early surveys continue to place her among the possible contenders for the 2028 presidential race.

A Pulse Asia survey conducted from Sept. 17 to 24 showed Vice President Sara Duterte leading the field with 50% of respondents naming her as their preferred presidential candidate, while Robredo received 26%.

Opposition figures, including Pangilinan, have previously urged the mayor to reconsider her position.

Robredo first publicly ruled out a presidential bid in April during an interview with RMN dwNX Naga, saying she would most likely seek another term as mayor.

She was also asked about Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, whose repeated visits to Naga had fueled speculation about a possible political partnership ahead of 2028.

Robredo said Dizon had never discussed the upcoming elections with her.

“[Secretary] Vince has never brought up 2028,” she said, explaining that his visits were related to their previous work together in the city.

Dizon has visited Naga several times this year, including an unannounced trip on Oct. 26. He has denied that his visits were politically motivated.

Robredo also said she had not discussed the 2028 elections with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Her last conversation with the President was during his birthday celebration in Malacañang in September, which she attended along with other local chief executives.

Robredo served as vice president from 2016 to 2022 before losing the presidential race to Marcos in 2022. She received 14.8 million votes against Marcos’ 31 million.

In May 2025, she was elected as Naga City’s first female mayor.