Former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo is the strongest potential candidate for the 2028 presidential elections, according to Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar "Egay" Erice.
A political storm is brewing ahead of the 2028 presidential elections after Vice President Sara Duterte declared that she will run for president in the next national race.
During an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Friday, Erice claimed that both President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos and Duterte are allegedly seeking political proximity to Robredo because of her perceived clean record and growing support base.
"Even the administration si President Marcos at si VP Sara, gustong kumabit kay Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo dahil sa aking tingin, siya ang pinakamalakas na kandidato for 2028," Erice said.
According to the lawmaker, Robredo’s absence of corruption issues makes her an attractive political ally — but he insists she should not align with the current administration.
“Unity” fractured
Erice criticized the Marcos-Duterte tandem, saying their 2022 promise of "unity" has instead resulted in internal conflict. The lawmaker questioned the administration’s performance, claiming that campaign pledges to improve the country’s condition have not materialized. He accused both camps of contributing to political instability.
“Magkasama talaga sina PBBM at VP Sara noong tumakbo. Nangako sila ng unity. Ano ang ginawa nila? Uni-away," he said.
"Nangako sila na ibabangon ang bansa. Eh ngayon bagsak na bagsak ang bansa. Uni-away na uni-nakaw pa,” Erice added.
While acknowledging that current surveys may show Duterte as a leading contender, Erice pointed out that controversies surrounding her could affect her long-term viability.
"Maaaring sa ratings ngayon, ang pinakamalakas ay si VP Sara. Pero ang dami kasing issue," he said.
"Kaya ngayon gusto nilang kumabit kay VP Leni sapagkat si VP Leni walang isyu ng corruption," he added.
Erice argued that Robredo risks damaging her reputation if she aligns herself with leaders facing unresolved allegations.
"Hindi pwedeng kumabit si [dating] VP Leni sa administrasyon, wala ng ang isyu ng korapsyon sa kanyang pagkatapos kakabit siya kay President Marcos na may hindi pa nasasagot na pinakamalaking pagnanakaw sa kasaysayan ng buong Pilipinas sa mahabang panahon, edi nagkaroon pa ng isyu laban sa kanya," he said.
He referenced long-standing corruption accusations linked to the Marcos family and recent scrutiny over confidential fund issues raised against Duterte. Though he did not present new evidence, Erice said public perception remains a major political factor.
“Bakit niya ito-tolerate ang mga bagay na ito” he asked, stressing that Robredo has built her brand around transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, Robredo made it clear earlier that she does not intend to run for president in 2028.
