Former Vice President Leni Robredo has publicly endorsed the senatorial bids of Benhur Abalos Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, both running under the administration coalition of her 2022 presidential rival, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Robredo, now seeking the mayoralty post in Naga City, voiced her support during a visit by Abalos and Pacquiao on Wednesday. Despite past political differences, Robredo emphasized long-standing friendships and prior acts of assistance as key reasons behind her endorsement.
“He (Abalos) has been our friend for a long time,” Robredo said in a statement released by Abalos’ camp. Speaking in Bicolano, she added, “Let’s support him in his candidacy… We will vote for him in his bid for the Senate.”
Robredo also recalled Abalos’ efforts in helping Naga City recover from Typhoon Kristine. “He came here several times to help,” she said. “He did it quietly, but he always helped.”
Pacquiao, a former senator and boxing icon, campaigned alongside Robredo in a house-to-house effort across Naga. In a statement from Pacquiao’s team, Robredo said, “We will always be behind Manny Pacquiao,” describing him as “very kind” and “trustworthy.”
Her backing of both candidates marks a striking shift, especially given her opposition stance in the last national elections. In 2022, Robredo herself noted during GMA-7’s Presidential Interviews that she would have voted for Pacquiao if she weren’t running for president, saying, “I know him and he is a very sincere person.”
While the endorsements may signal strategic alliances ahead of the 2025 elections, they are not without controversy. Some of Robredo’s supporters—often referred to as “kakampinks,” a blend of “kakampi” (ally) and her signature campaign color—expressed mixed reactions online.
“I am pretty sure Robredo has her reasons why she endorsed these candidates,” said Associate Professor Jean Encinas-Franco in a text message to INQUIRER.net. She emphasized that the move could help Abalos and Pacquiao gain broader support, especially in the Bicol region and among Robredo’s base. “However, some kakampinks may not like this. This is to be expected,” she added.
