Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV. Photo courtesy of PNA.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday said Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo should consider endorsing either former Senator Bam Aquino or Senator Risa Hontiveros for the 2028 presidential election following her decision to stay out of the national race.
Trillanes said an endorsement from Robredo could help unify her supporters behind a single opposition candidate and strengthen preparations for the next presidential contest.
Robredo earlier said she was no longer considering a presidential bid in 2028 and would instead focus on her work as mayor of Naga City, where she is expected to seek a second term. She said the three-year term for local officials is too short to complete reforms given the pace of government processes.
Speaking on the sidelines of the House impeachment proceedings, Trillanes said it would be better for Robredo to pass on her support to either Aquino or Hontiveros if she has firmly decided not to run.
He said such a move could help consolidate the opposition vote early and avoid divisions within the camp.
Trillanes also said the Magdalo group has chosen to back Hontiveros for president in 2028.
He said the group had assessed possible contenders and found Hontiveros qualified to carry the opposition banner in the next national election.
Robredo has yet to issue a public response to Trillanes’ remarks.