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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Leni is in best position to unite LP, opposition allies in 2028 — Kiko

Leni is in best position to unite LP, opposition allies in 2028 — Kiko

Published Apr 23, 2026 03:40 pm
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan believes that Naga City Mayor and former vice president Leni Robredo "is in the best position" to unite the Liberal Party and its allies, disagreeing with the latter regarding her pronouncement of not running for the presidency in 2028.
Having witnessed the largest corruption scandal in the Philippine history, Pangiliinan said, the Filipino people "are crying out for good governance, and public accountability," which Robredo advocated for during her vice presidency.
"With her at the helm going into 2028 and given her current poll numbers that are much higher now than in the run up to the 2022 Presidential elections, a formidable coalition, far broader and more inclusive than the one we forged in 2022, can be cobbled together and lead us to victory in 2028," Pangilinan argued in a Facebook post.
"Now more than ever, all those who believe in meaningful change and honesty and integrity in our public institutions must come together, sacrifice our time and effort for the sake of a better future for our children," he added.
The senator believed that Robredo, who was his running mate in the 2022 polls, "is in the best position to build the broadest and strongest unity not just amongst the ranks of the Liberal Party and our allies but to include all other groups and personalities outside our allied forces who are also looking to participating in the 2028 Presidential elections."
Pangilinan said he was hoping he was wrong “but Leni's refusal to run may create a leadership vacuum that I am afraid cannot be adequately filled by other contenders."
"This in turn could lead to disunity amongst our ranks and the splintering of not just our forces but of all potential allies outside our ranks," he said.
"The net effect willl be the fielding of various political parties and groups of their respective Presidential bets, further weakening our chances and delivering victory to our adversaries," he added.
Pangilinan called on their allies to forge the broadest unity possible "for the cause of good governance and win this for our people and work together for a better future for our children."

Related Tags

Kiko Pangilinan Leni Robredo 2028 elections presidential elections opposition standard bearer
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