Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV admitted that financial constraints were the main reason behind his decision not to run for any national or local position in the 2028 elections.
“Nagbago na ‘yung political terrain, so to speak. Dati nung nakakulong ako, nanalo ako, hindi ako gumastos… talagang puso-puso ‘yung kampanya. Ngayon, hindi na pwedeng mangyari ‘yon,” Trillanes said in an interview.
He explained that modern campaigns require massive funding, particularly for media exposure.
“Kadalasan, talagang kailangan mo na ng malaking pera, ₱1 bilyon para lang pagbayad mo ng airtime mo… kaso doon ka lang makikilala, wala naman akong gano’n na pera at limitado ‘yung aking network. So di ko kayang mag-compete sa kanila,” he added.
Trillanes also shared his experience running for mayor of Caloocan City in the 2025 elections, where he lost to incumbent Mayor Along Malapitan.
“Maganda ‘yung naging experience ko. Namulat talaga ako diyan kasi nakita mo ‘yung kondisyon. Talagang malubha ‘yung sitwasyon ng mga kababayan natin,” he said.
He noted that poverty often influences voter decisions.
“Marami sa kanila gusto ka nilang iboto pero ‘pag kasi naaalukan sila ng munting halaga, na siyempre pagkain na ‘yun eh, pang-isang linggo, talagang kinukuha na lang nila ‘yon,” Trillanes added.
Despite ruling out a 2028 candidacy, Trillanes said he remains open to serving in government if offered a position.
“Kung paniniwala natin na makakapagserbisyo tayo nang maayos don sa posisyon na ‘yon, why not? Kung mas marami tayong matutulungan di gagawin po natin,” he said.