Former vice president Robredo, who is now running for mayor in Naga City, still has the trust of former senator Leila de Lima despite her endorsement of senatorial candidates Manny Pacquiao and Benhur Abalos.
Former vice president Leni Robredo and Mamamayang Liberal Partylist first nominee Leila de Lima speak to the media in Naga City on March 15, 2025. (Photo from ML Partylist)
De Lima, the first nominee of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist, posted a short video on Facebook reaffirming her close ties with the former vice president.
“Ang sa amin po: buo ang tiwala namin sa kanya (For us: we give our full trust in her),” the former senator stressed.
“Sa bawat yugto ng kanyang serbisyo, pinatunayan na ni VP Leni na ang kanyang pamumuno ay bukas, inklusibo, at laging nakatuon sa kapakanan ng mas nakararami—kahit pa hindi ito laging popular o madaling ipaliwanag (In every chapter of her public service, VP Leni has proven that her leadership is open, inclusive, and is always focused on the welfare of the majority—even it’s not always popular or it’s difficult to explain),” she said.
De Lima acknowledged the many of their supporters were raising questions and were confused on Robredo’s endorsement of two rival senatorial candidates from President Marcos’ Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate.
“Malamang po, may pinanggagalingan ang desisyong iyon (Probably, that decision could be justifiable),” the former senator said.
Marcos defeated Robredo in the 2022 presidential elections, coming on the heels of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
Abalos was Marcos administration’s former interior secretary while Pacquiao also vied for the presidency three years ago.
In a video circulating on social media, Robredo was heard asking for support for Abalos. She described him as a friend who extended help to Naga City when it was struck by Typhoon Kristine in 2024.
Photos also showed Robredo campaigning separately with Pacquiao in her hometown and political bailiwick.
While Robredo endorsed Marcos’ allies in the Senate, De Lima said they will continue to fully support the candidacy of former senator Kiko Pangilinan.
"Nanawagan kami sa ating mga kababayan: huwag tayong maligaw. Malinaw ang dapat pagtuunan--ang katiwalian, ang panlilinlang, at ang pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan. Hindi ang isa't isa (We call on our fellow countrymen: Let's not get lost. What we have to focus on is clear: corruption, deception, and the abuse of power. It's not turning on each other)," she said.
Pangilinan, who was Robredo’s running mate when she ran for president and lost against Marcos, is Liberal Party’s official senatorial candidate in next month’s midterm polls.