Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda says he has not given up hope that former Vice President Leni Robredo will enter the 2028 presidential race, even after Robredo declared she has no plans to seek national office.
Speaking to Bandera at his birthday celebration with the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors on Monday night, April 27, Vice Ganda said public demand has a way of changing a politician’s mind.
“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 makapagsilbe [nagbabago],” he said.
The comedian elaborated on why he believes a presidential run is ultimately not a personal decision. “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,'” he added.
Robredo, who currently serves as mayor of Naga City, has said she intends to seek a second term in that post rather than pursue any national position in 2028. She cited her ongoing work in the province as the basis for that decision.
Vice Ganda is not alone in his wishful thinking. Showbiz commentator Ogie Diaz also urged Robredo to reconsider, pointing to her continued strong showing in surveys. “Patuloy na tumataas sa survey, ibig sabiyin, 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,” Diaz wrote on Facebook.
Actress Rica Peralejo took a different tone, saying she supports Robredo’s right to serve where she feels most valued, even as she had once hoped to see her win the presidency. “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 wrote on Facebook.
Vice Ganda is separately set to attend the opening day of the Isarog International Hot Air Balloon Festival in Naga City, as announced by Robredo on her official Facebook page on April 28.
