Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday said the “united opposition” has yet to finalize the candidates it will field in the 2028 national elections, but assured the public that an announcement will be made as soon as possible.
“Ang progress po sa hanay ng opposition and reform-minded and modernizing groups ay patuloy ang aming pagbubuo ng pagkakaisa para pumili ng isang standard-bearer na ilalaban sa 2028 kasama ng isang buong slate,” Hontiveros said during a press conference.
Asked about the possible timeline for revealing their lineup, she replied:
“The earlier, the better. Para makaalok at maka-attract ng suporta mula sa ating mga kababayan. But we’re going through that process very seriously and several of us are open or willing.”
She added:
“So umaasa ako na mas maaga kaysa sa mas huli ay makapag-announce na kami.”
Talks surrounding the 2028 race gained momentum after Vice President Sara Duterte earlier announced her intention to seek the presidency, even with the elections still more than two years away.
Hontiveros previously expressed openness to serve as the opposition’s standard-bearer if chosen by the coalition.
“I remain open, I remain willing at ‘yung condition ko ay tulad ng matagal ko na rin sinasabi kung piliin ng united opposition,” she said on February 9.