Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice is urging former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to run for president in the 2028 national elections, saying he is the “most prepared“ candidate to lead the country.

In an interview on DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday, Erice, a fellow member of the Liberal Party, said Roxas has the competence and experience needed to improve the nation’s condition.

Erice stressed that leadership should not be based on popularity but on capability and public service.

“Wala akong naiisip na pinakahanda na maging pangulo, para umangat tayo, kundi si Mar Roxas,” Erice said

He pointed to what he described as economic gains during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III from 2010 to 2016, contrasting it with the country’s situation in recent years.

“Nakita naman natin noong 2010 to 2016 ay umangat yung bansa natin. After nine years naman, Duterte-Marcos, bagsak ang Pilipinas,” he added.

Erice said the country was once considered a “rising economic tiger” but has since lagged behind, stressing the need to restore what he called good governance.

“Kailangan natin talaga yung continuity ng good governance. At isa sa pinaka-competent, pinaka-qualified dyan si Mar Roxas. Kasi ngayon, anong nangyayari... 'yung politics natin, puro optics. ‘Yung politics natin, puro popularity,” he said.

Roxas previously ran for vice president in 2010 but lost to Makati mayor Jejomar Binay. He later ran for president in 2016 as the Liberal Party’s standard-bearer, finishing second to former President Rodrigo Duterte.

After an unsuccessful Senate comeback bid in 2019, Roxas stepped back from active politics.

As of this writing, he has yet to issue a statement on calls for him to run in the 2028 polls.

Erice had earlier said that former vice president and now Naga City mayor Leni Robredo is a strong potential contender for the 2028 elections. However, he noted that Robredo has made it clear she does not intend to run and should not be pressured.