House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Edgar Erice said former vice president and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo is the “strongest possible contender” who could face Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential elections.

Erice made the statement following Duterte’s early declaration of her intention to seek the presidency in 2028. According to the Caloocan lawmaker, Robredo stands out as the only opposition figure capable of mounting a serious challenge, citing her “clean name” and public trust.

He argued that if Robredo decides to run again for president, she could secure significant voter support due to her track record and reputation for transparency—contrasting this with allegations and controversies hounding Duterte.

Erice also floated the possibility of a broader political coalition forming between the administration and Robredo’s camp but said that if Robredo wishes to remain independent and untainted by political compromises, she could emerge as the sole opposition standard-bearer against Duterte.

Robredo and Erice are both affiliated with the Liberal Party, which has been working to rebuild its national base following the 2022 elections. Political analysts note that while the 2028 race is still two years away, early positioning among key figures suggests an intensifying realignment within both administration and opposition blocs.

As of posting, Robredo has not publicly declared any plans to run for president in 2028.