By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo is being urged to settle the question of a possible 2028 presidential run by January 2027, as an early decision would give her sufficient time to prepare for a national campaign.
Naga City Vice Mayor Gaby Bordado said Thursday that political experts familiar with presidential campaigns had advised Robredo against delaying an announcement should she decide to seek the country’s highest elective position.
He said her late declaration during the 2022 presidential race had drawn criticism, prompting the recommendation for an earlier decision this time.
Robredo, however, has previously said she has no intention of running for president in 2028 and plans instead to seek another term as Naga mayor.
Bordado said he supports her reelection bid, noting that the city still needs her leadership and that several programs remain to be implemented.
He acknowledged, however, that a presidential bid would be welcomed by many Filipinos, should Robredo reconsider her position.
He also cited the visits of foreign ambassadors and prominent organizations to Naga as indicators of the city’s governance and policy implementation.
ia/xf
