Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV identified Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, Senator Bam Aquino, and former PNP chief and current MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III as possible standard bearers for the 2028 presidential elections.
In an interview, Trillanes said Vice President Sara Duterte would not be invincible even if she survives impeachment, as public perception would still be influenced by the evidence presented.
“Pag lumabas yung ebidensya, mag-stick yun. Hindi na makakalimutan ng mga tao yun,” he said.
“Kahit hindi ’to mag-lead to a conviction sa Senate trial… assuming the worst na hindi makonvict yan, mag-stick pa rin yan.”
Trillanes also gave a blunt warning about voter reaction: “Hindi makakalimutan ng mga tao na magnanakaw si Sara. Pag nakita nila yun, siguro naman hindi n’yo iboboto yung magnanakaw sa pagka-presidente ng Pilipinas.”
He explained that opposition forces are already consolidating early, learning from past mistakes in the 2022 elections.
“Mag-consolidate yung mga hanay tapos mamili kung sino yung karapat-dapat na kandidato,” Trillanes said.
Regarding potential opposition figures, Trillanes noted: “Sa ngayon ang nagsabi na bukas sila ay si Sen. Bam at si Sen. Risa,” he said, noting they could either run themselves or endorse a common candidate.
He added that Torre is being considered on the administration side for his policy initiatives and grassroots appeal.
“Maganda yung kanyang mga initiatives… maganda rin yung kanyang connect sa masang Pilipino,” he said.
Previously, Hontiveros expressed openness to becoming the opposition’s standard bearer, Torre has said he does not plan to seek elective office, and Aquino has not commented on potential 2028 plans.