Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros expressed firm confidence that the political opposition will successfully unite behind a singular standard-bearer who represents the “best alternative” for the upcoming May 2028 presidential elections.
Hontiveros made the statement following the circulation of a Pulse Asia presidential survey conducted from February 27 to March 2, which listed her as a potential contender for the nation’s highest office. The same poll revealed a tight race at the top, with Senator Raffy Tulfo and Vice President Sara Duterte locked in a statistical tie, both garnering 46% support.
Additionally, a separate head-to-head Pulse Asia survey indicated a narrowing gap between Vice President Duterte and Hontiveros’ close ally, former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, with Duterte securing 51% against Robredo’s 43%.
Hontiveros revealed that the true unified opposition is working toward announcing its official candidate by the end of this year.
“And my dream and my intention is to make sure all of us are united in supporting that person,” Hontiveros said in an interview in Filipino.
She emphasized that solidarity remains the cornerstone of the opposition’s strategy heading into the next election cycle.
“We have already discussed this would be our working principle, to be united behind the strongest candidate who will emerge from our ranks. And I am confident that we will have a fighting chance to present the best alternative,” she said.
The lawmaker noted that the survey results did not surprise her, drawing parallels to her past senatorial campaigns where she successfully overcame early statistical disadvantages.
However, she cautioned against treating early polls as definitive conclusions.
“2028 is still far off. The most important issue right now for Filipinos is the rising cost of basic goods and commodities, the expensive electricity,” she pointed out.
While acknowledging the data as a valuable roadmap for future political strategy, Hontiveros stressed that immediate socio-economic crises take precedence over campaign calculations.
“So many things can still happen, but I respect the survey. It’s a helpful guide on how we should act. But we are after achieving satisfaction on the final results,” she said.