MANILA, Philippines — April 23, 2026 — Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has urged Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo to endorse either Senator Bam Aquino or Senator Risa Hontiveros for the 2028 presidential elections if she decides not to run herself, stressing that such a move could consolidate the opposition’s support base. Trillanes and his Magdalo group have already declared their backing for Hontiveros.

Trillanes made the statement on Wednesday at the sidelines of the House impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, who has already announced her intention to run for president in 2028.

“Mas maganda nito, ang gawin ni Mayor Leni, kung ayaw na niya tumakbo, i-endorse na niya either si Senator Bam o si Senator Risa para talagang malipat sa kanila iyong suporta,” Trillanes said.

Robredo, who lost the 2022 presidential race to Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has ruled out a national comeback in 2028 and confirmed she will instead seek reelection as Naga City mayor. She explained that the three-year term limit requires her to focus on completing reforms locally rather than pursuing another national campaign.

Trillanes emphasized that Robredo’s endorsement could be crucial in uniting the opposition behind a single candidate. He noted that Robredo’s name continues to appear in early voter preference surveys conducted by OCTA Research, but her decision to stay in local politics leaves a vacuum in the national opposition leadership.

The Magdalo group, which Trillanes leads, has already committed to supporting Hontiveros. “We have evaluated the prospective candidates and we want to push for Senator Risa for president. She has the qualifications. Tumitindig, lumalaban, ipaglalaban ka,” Trillanes said.

He also drew a distinction between Robredo and Hontiveros, saying, “Both of them are good public servants. Pero ang kaibahan nila, si Mayor Leni, ipaglalaban mo. Si Senator Risa, ipaglalaban ka.”

Trillanes’ remarks highlight the growing urgency within the opposition to rally behind a strong candidate as Duterte’s early declaration reshapes the 2028 political landscape. Robredo has yet to respond to Trillanes’ suggestion.

This development underscores the strategic importance of endorsements in Philippine politics, particularly for opposition figures seeking to challenge entrenched political dynasties. Whether Robredo will heed Trillanes’ call remains to be seen, but her decision could significantly influence the trajectory of the 2028 presidential race.