Leni says its time to build bridges, not make foes

After she was seen mingling and entertaining former political foes, former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo stressed that it is time to build bridges and not to make enemies, in preparation for the 2028 elections.

She cited the example of Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, seeing their approach as necessary to win the 2025 senatorial race — without compromising their principles.

Echoing their strategy, Robredo encouraged supporters to focus on unity and broadening their support base over the next three years ahead of the 2028 polls.

“Sa atin lang, if we fight right, may chance tayo. Gaya ng ginawa nila Senator Bam [Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan], kung gusto natin manalo, kailangan mas lawakin natin iyong space natin para sa dissenting views,” Robredo said in her latest podcast on Wednesday night.

Aquino finished second in the 2025 senatorial race with over 20 million votes, while Pangilinan placed fifth with more than 15 million votes, despite initially lagging in surveys.

To replicate their success, Robredo urged allies and supporters to embrace collaboration and inclusivity, saying it would benefit not just their movement but the country as a whole.

“Marami pa rin kasi tayong mga kasama na mas puso, mas puso yung pinapairal, mas emotion. Ako, kung gusto natin manalo, 'di pwede yun eh. Kung gusto nating manalo, kailangan mas malayo yung pagtingin natin at mas malawak,” Robredo said.

“Sa akin lang kung ganun lagi, mahihirapan tayo. Mahihirapan tayo na wala tayong espasyo para don sa mga hindi eksakto sa paniniwala natin,” she added.

She also lamented how some allies turn on one another over minor disagreements, ultimately undermining their chances of success.

“Ngayon, parang one false move, or one move ng isang kandidato na hindi sang-ayon sa kanila, aawayin,” she pointed out.

Last year, Robredo was seen speaking with her former rival, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., as well as Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Rodante Marcoleta, among others, before the 2025 midterm polls.