Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV urged Leni Robredo to endorse either Bam Aquino or Risa Hontiveros for the 2028 presidential race after she decided to stay out of national politics. He made the statement on April 22 during the sidelines of House impeachment proceedings. Trillanes said such an endorsement would consolidate the opposition's support base.
In Manila, Trillanes stated that Robredo should endorse the two senators if she does not plan to run. “Mas maganda nito, ang gawin ni Mayor Leni, kung ayaw na niya tumakbo, i-endorse na niya either si Sen. Bam o si Sen. Risa para talagang malipat sa kanila iyong suporta,” he said.
Robredo has ruled out a national bid, focusing instead on her role as Naga City mayor and likely seeking a second term. She cited the constraints of a three-year term in implementing reforms amid government bureaucracy.
Trillanes also revealed that the Magdalo group backs Hontiveros for president. “We have evaluated the prospective candidates and we want to push for Sen. Risa for president. She has the qualifications. Tumitindig, lumalaban, ipaglalaban ka,” he said. He distinguished the two by noting, “Both of them are good public servants. Pero ang kaibahan nila, si Mayor Leni, ipaglalaban mo. Si Sen. Risa, ipaglalaban ka.”
Robredo's name has appeared in early voter surveys like those from OCTA Research, but she has not yet responded to Trillanes' suggestion.
