Aquino-Dee Rejects Marcos-Robredo Alliance Ahead of 2028
Kiko Aquino-Dee, a senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines and grandson of former President Corazon Aquino, has publicly opposed a possible political alliance between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, warning that such a partnership would undermine the cause of justice for martial law victims and offer no strategic advantage to any candidate. Malacañang, for its part, urged political leaders to “stop politicking” and focus on governance.
The dispute, unfolding as early positioning for 2028 begins to simmer, reveals deeper fissures within the anti-Marcos coalition and highlights unresolved tensions over historical memory, accountability, and political strategy.
A Clear Rejection of a Marcos Endorsement
Speaking during preparations for the 40th anniversary commemoration of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution at the EDSA People Power Monument, Aquino-Dee made his stance unequivocal.
“Para sa akin, malinaw na hindi siya nakakatulong strategically; hindi rin siya katanggap-tanggap in terms of cause for justice para sa mga biktima ng batas militar—yung cause para sa historical distortion. So I want to be very clear: against ako sa ganyang alyansa,” Aquino-Dee said.
Translated, he said the proposed alliance would not help strategically and would not be acceptable in terms of justice for victims of martial law or in countering historical distortion.
Aquino-Dee added that he does not believe an endorsement from President Marcos would benefit any candidate.
“I have been consistent in opposing that kind of alliance. But that’s up to VP Leni to decide. If my opinion is asked, I’m not in favor. I don’t think that President Marcos’ endorsement will help any candidate,” he said.
While firm in his opposition, Aquino-Dee acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with Robredo.
Historical Memory at the Center
The heart of Aquino-Dee’s objection lies not only in electoral arithmetic but in historical accountability. As the grandson of two icons of the anti-dictatorship movement—Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and Corazon Aquino—his opposition frames the alliance as incompatible with efforts to secure justice for victims of the 1972–1981 martial law period.
For Aquino-Dee and allied civil society groups, political alignment with the current Marcos administration risks blurring the moral lines drawn in 1986. To them, an alliance would resemble stitching together two strands of history that were once in open conflict.
He also characterized President Marcos Jr. as “the most unpopular president since President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” suggesting that any endorsement could impose reputational costs rather than confer political strength.
Palace: Focus on Governance, Not Politics
Malacañang responded by urging political actors to avoid speculative maneuvering and concentrate on governance.
“Do not get carried away by the imagination. Focus on each person’s work so we don’t get distracted from the objective. President Marcos Jr. wants an orderly, progressive, and trustworthy Bagong Pilipinas. Everybody, stop politicking,” the Palace said through its spokesperson.
The Palace emphasized that the President’s visits across the country fall within his official duties and should not be misconstrued as electoral positioning.
The administration’s message is clear: attention should remain on governance rather than early jockeying for 2028.
Fault Lines Within the Opposition
The controversy underscores strategic disagreements within sectors critical of the Marcos administration.
Aquino-Dee serves as a co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas, a civil society coalition composed of various organizations, including urban poor and women’s groups. While critical of the administration, the coalition has acknowledged that Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte received the electoral mandate in 2022 and has committed to working within the framework of the 1987 Constitution.
Tindig Pilipinas has also pushed for legislative priorities such as an anti-political dynasty bill, seeking structural reforms rather than extra-constitutional solutions.
Recent activities, including preparations for a “Trillion Peso March Part Two” at EDSA and clarifications following a rally by another group over constitutional matters, reflect an engaged civil society landscape closely monitoring political developments.
Implications for 2028
Although the 2028 presidential elections remain two years away, conversations about alliances signal that political camps are quietly assessing their paths forward.
For voters, especially those who supported Robredo’s previous presidential bid, a potential partnership with Marcos presents an emotional and strategic dilemma. Would collaboration signal pragmatic politics, or would it erode trust built on promises of accountability?
Aquino-Dee’s answer is unambiguous. In his view, an endorsement from President Marcos would neither strengthen an opposition candidate nor align with the broader cause of justice.
The Palace, however, is attempting to draw a boundary between governance and speculation, urging restraint.
As the country approaches the 40th anniversary of the revolution that reshaped its political order, debates over alliances serve as a reminder that the past continues to shape the present — and may yet define the contours of the next presidential race.
