Malacañang on Monday downplayed speculation that the administration is considering a tandem of Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and National Anti-Poverty Commission Lead Convenor Manny Pacquiao for the 2028 national elections.

The issue surfaced after political strategist Lito Banayo claimed that a source inside the Palace told him that Robredo and Pacquiao could be fielded as the admin's tandem in the 2028 polls.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, however, said Banayo is not part of the administration and may simply be sharing his own political strategy.

“Lito Banayo… Hindi naman siya parte ng administrasyon,” Castro said.

Castro also said the Palace has not been given any details regarding possible political tandems for the 2028 elections.

“Wala po kasing ibinibigay sa akin na anumang detalye patungkol sa tandem-tandem ngayon,” she said.

She stressed that the administration is currently focused on addressing pressing national concerns rather than preparing for the next elections.

“Sa ngayon, hindi pamumulitika ang iniisip ng administrasyon. Trabaho lang po muna tayo. Huwag puro eleksyon-eleksyon. Aksyon-aksyon muna,” Castro said.

Banayo had linked Pacquiao's recent appointment as NAPC lead convenor to the alleged plan.

Meanwhile, Castro also said Filipinos should pray for a future leader who would protect the country's national interests, including its rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Her remarks came after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned that the country's efforts to protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea could lose momentum after the 2028 elections, depending on the next administration.

Teodoro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has institutionalized mechanisms to ensure continuity in the country's sovereignty and territorial defense efforts, but acknowledged that a change in administration could affect their momentum.