Vice Ganda still rooting for Leni Robredo after she ruled out 2028 presidential run

Vice Ganda said he is still hoping that former Vice President Leni Robredo would reconsider a presidential run in the 2028 national elections, despite her earlier statement ruling it out. 

In an interview with Bandera during the TV host’s birthday celebration with the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) on Monday night, April 27, Vice Ganda expressed continued support for Robredo, who currently serves as mayor of Naga City.

“I’m still rooting for Leni. Well, let’s see. Marami namang nagsabing ano, kung sila lang, hindi na sila tatakbo pero dahil sa clamor at sa kagustuhan nilang makapagsilbi [nagbabago],” he said. 

(Many have said that if it were only up to them, they would no longer run, but because of public clamor and their desire to serve, it changed.) 

READ: Vice Ganda links Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte, Leni Robredo to OPM songs

“Kasi ang desisyon ng pagtakbo at pagiging pangulo ay hindi naman desisyon para sa sarili mo eh, kaya maraming taong naiiba ‘yung desisyon nila kasi nare-realize nila na ‘this is not just about me,'” added the comedian. 

(The decision to run and become President is not just a personal decision, many people end up changing their minds when they realize that this is not just about them.) 

Robredo earlier announced that she no longer desires to run for any national position in 2028, amid calls for her to seek the top elective post. Her decision, she said is based on her plan to continue the work in her province, as she intends to seek a second term as mayor of Naga City. 

Meanwhile, Vice Ganda is not the only one rooting for Robredo in the highest seat, as showbiz insider Ogie Diaz previously expressed his hope that the politician will still run for a national post after she recently topped numerous surveys.

“Patuloy na tumataas sa survey, ibig sabihin, nanganganak na ang bilang ng mga naniniwala sa kanya bukod sa mga solid supporters. Dami nang gising. Dami nang mulat. At di na muling pipikit pa. Ma’am Leni Gerona Robredo! Beke nemen,” wrote Diaz on Facebook. 

(The survey continues to rise, meaning that the number of those who believe in her is growing, apart from solid supporters. Many are awake. And they will not turn a blind eye again. Ma’am Leni Gerona Robredo! Maybe just maybe.)

On the other hand, Rica Peralejo said that despite this decision, she is happy that Robredo is able to do “what she can and where she is truly honored and appreciated.”

“Kahit ginusto ko sya maging presidente minsan ay alam kong mahirap din gawin ito ng mabuti at maayos kung mismong mga mamamayan ang nagpapabagsak sa kanya because of fake news and politicking. I cannot stand seeing the disrespect for her and her family, hindi talaga worth and also because magwowork lang ang pamamaraan ng leader kung susunod ang mamayan. So for me the problem is not her but the people. She’s nothing but ready and able, we are not; until we are ready for good leaders, change won’t happen,” she said on Facebook recently.

Meanwhile, Vice Ganda is set to grace the Day 1 of the Isarog International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Naga City, as announced by Robredo on her official Facebook page earlier today, April 28. /edv