Sharon Cuneta Image: Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta
Public appeal comes after Robredo says a national candidacy is not in her plans, even as early surveys keep her name in the 2028 conversation
MANILA — Actress and singer Sharon Cuneta has publicly urged Leni Robredo to reconsider a possible presidential run in 2028, adding to a growing number of appeals from supporters despite Robredo’s stated decision to remain focused on local governance.
Cuneta made the appeal through an Instagram post, asking Robredo to “please reconsider” and describing the former vice president as a figure capable of uniting different political groups. She also said she and her husband, Francis Pangilinan, would support Robredo should she decide to run. Pangilinan, Robredo’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election, returned to the Senate in 2025 following the proclamation of winning candidates by the Commission on Elections.
Robredo has said she is not seeking a national post in 2028. In an April 2026 interview, she stated that a return to national politics is “far from” her horizon, emphasizing her focus on her role as mayor of Naga City. Robredo previously served as vice president from 2016 to 2022 before returning to local office in 2025.
Early polling continues to keep her name in the national conversation. A March 2026 survey conducted by OCTA Research showed Sara Duterte leading Robredo, 46 percent to 35 percent, in a hypothetical head-to-head presidential race, with a portion of respondents remaining undecided. The survey reflects early sentiment and does not constitute an official candidate lineup.
Other public figures have echoed calls for Robredo to reconsider. Television host Vice Ganda has expressed continued support for a potential Robredo candidacy despite her stated position.
No certificate of candidacy has been filed for the 2028 presidential race. Robredo’s position remains unchanged: she has said she is focused on governing Naga City and is not planning a national run at this time.
The appeals from Cuneta and other supporters underscore sustained public interest in Robredo’s political future, but remain, at this stage, expressions of support rather than formal political developments.
