Trillanes urges Leni to back Bam or Risa in 2028 presidential race

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Leni Robredo should consider endorsing either Bam Aquino or Risa Hontiveros for the 2028 presidential race, following her decision to stay out of national politics.

Robredo earlier ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, saying she intends to focus on her role as Naga City mayor and is likely to seek a second term. She cited the limits of a three-year term in completing reforms under the usual constraints of government bureaucracy.

“Mas maganda nito, ang gawin ni Mayor Leni, kung ayaw na niya tumakbo, i-endorse na niya either si Sen. Bam o si Sen. Risa para talagang malipat sa kanila iyong suporta,” Trillanes said on Wednesday, April 22, during the sidelines of House impeachment proceedings.

(It would be better if Mayor Leni, if she no longer wants to run, endorses either Sen. Bam or Sen. Risa so that the support can truly be transferred to them.)

He said such an endorsement could help consolidate Robredo’s support base behind a single opposition candidate in 2028.

Robredo’s name has been floated in early voter preference surveys, including those conducted by OCTA Research, tracking public sentiment ahead of the next presidential race. However, she said a national comeback is no longer being considered.

Trillanes also disclosed that the Magdalo group is backing Hontiveros for president.

“We have evaluated the prospective candidates and we want to push for Sen. Risa for president. She has the qualifications. Tumitindig, lumalaban, ipaglalaban ka,” he said. 

(We have evaluated the prospective candidates and we want to push for Sen. Risa for president. She has the qualifications. Stands up for you, fights for you, will fight on your behalf.)

While describing both Robredo and Hontiveros as capable public servants, Trillanes drew a distinction between them.

“Both of them [Robredo and Hontiveros] are good public servants. Pero ang kaibahan nila, si Mayor Leni, ipaglalaban mo. Si Sen. Risa, ipaglalaban ka,” the former lawmaker said.

Robredo has yet to respond to Trillanes’ suggestion.