Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday said he respects the decision of former Vice president and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo not to seek a national post in the 2028 elections, but expressed hope she might reconsider, citing what he described as growing public support for her leadership.

In a Facebook post, Pangilinan said that while he and members of the opposition acknowledge Robredo’s decision, he believes the national interest could be better served if she eventually responds to what he called a “growing clamor” for her to lead efforts toward good governance.

“We respect her decision even as we disagree with it and believe that the national interest will be best served if at some future time she changes her mind and heeds the growing clamor of the people for her to lead the nation's fight for genuine service and good governance,” Pangilinan said.

The senator pointed to Robredo’s rising survey numbers as an indication that she is in a strong position to unite various political forces ahead of the next presidential race.

He said her potential candidacy could bring together and can establish the “strongest unity” not only members of the Liberal Party and its allies, but also other groups seeking reform, forming what he described as a broader and more inclusive coalition than in 2022.

Pangilinan added that increasing public support for Robredo could create a “snowballing” effect, encouraging more political groups to rally behind her and strengthening the chances of building a formidable alliance for the 2028 elections.

He emphasized the need for unity among reform-oriented groups, particularly amid ongoing concerns about corruption and accountability in government.

“Now more than ever, having witnessed the largest corruption scandal in Philippine history, our people are crying out for good governance, and public accountability,” Pangilinan said.

“Now more than ever, all those who believe in meaningful change and honesty and integrity in our public institutions must come together, sacrifice our time and effort for the sake of a better future for our children,” he added.

However, Pangilinan also warned that Robredo’s decision not to run could create a leadership vacuum within the opposition, potentially leading to fragmentation and weakening its chances in 2028.

“I hope I am wrong but Leni's refusal to run, may create a leadership vacuum that I am afraid cannot be adequately filled by other contenders, this in turn could lead to disunity amongst our ranks and the splintering of not just our forces but of all potential allies outside our ranks,” he said.

"We must forge the broadest unity possible for the cause of good governance and win this for our people and work together for a better future for our children," the senator added.

Robredo earlier confirmed that she does not intend to seek a national position in 2028 and plans instead to run for reelection as mayor of Naga City.

Pangilinan was Robredo’s running mate during the 2022 Philippine presidential election, where she ran for president.