Group still pushing Robredo to run for senator in 2025

A workers’ group is urging former vice president Leni Robredo to reconsider her decision not to run for a national post in the 2025 elections. 

“Leni needs to reconsider her decision. The nation needs her in this challenging time. She is the beacon of hope for the opposition and the people in the periphery,” said Federation of Free Workers (FFW) Women’s Network (FWN) Ma. Victoria Bellosillo in a statement released on Saturday. 

The group made the statement a day after Robredo had already said that she will not be gunning for a senatorial seat next year.

"Sinarado ko na ... kaya nagpaalam na ako sa LP (Liberal Party)...kaya ako nagpaalam sa LP na hindi na ako tatakbo sa Senado," Robredo said when asked if she is considering a 2025 Senate run.

(I have shut the door on a 2025 Senate run. I already informed the LP about it.)

Robredo also said that she is leaning toward running for Naga City mayor.

"Sinabi ko na ang preference ko ay tatakbo akong alkalde ng Naga (I have expressed my preference to run for mayor of Naga), " Robredo added.

But the FFW insisted that Robredo’s leadership would have more impact on the national level.

“Baka naman pwede pa buksan ang pinto para sa Senado. May liderato siya at integridad na kinakailangan ng bansa," said FWN vice president Arta Maines. 

(We are hoping that she would reopen her door for a possible senatorial run. She has the leadership and integrity that this country needs.)

"She can ignite the imagination of our people and propel change for the better,” Maines added. 

LP, meanwhile, said it respects Robredo's decision.

"Hangad namin ang kanyang tagumpay at pamamayagpag, anuman ang tahakin niyang direksiyon. Lagi namin siyang titingalain," LP said in separate statement. 

(We wish her success in whatever direction she takes. We will always look up to her.)

"The Liberal Party stands behind former Vice President Robredo and wishes her the very best in her future endeavors," added LP.

Prior to becoming the 14th vice president of the Philippines, Robredo served as 3rd district representative of Camarines Sur from 2013 to 2016. 

She run for President in the 2022 elections but eventually lost to Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. 

Robredo finished with over 14 million votes while Marcos had over 31 million votes. 

—Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL, GMA Integrated News