Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Egay Erice on Wednesday suggested a potential tandem between former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and former Senator Grace Poe for the 2028 elections, pitching the partnership as a political “reset” to counter the anticipated presidential run of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Erice raised the scenario during a television interview while discussing ongoing efforts to encourage Roxas back into the national arena, especially after former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo repeatedly turned down requests to seek the presidency again.
“Mayroong usapan noon na kung magkakaisa si Mar Roxas at si Grace Poe, mananalo sila kay President Digong Duterte. Kaya lang naghiwalay,” Erice said.
The lawmaker recalled a photograph he took with Roxas and Poe years ago, noting he believed at the time that the two would have secured the country’s top two positions had they joined forces.
Instead, both launched separate presidential campaigns in 2016, losing to then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
“Sabi ko pa nga, ako na ang mga unang magpapicture sa magiging pangulo at pangalawang pangulo ng Pilipinas,” he said.
“Baka pwede i-reset natin ngayon. Mar Roxas (for president), Grace Poe for vice president,” he added.
Erice clarified that the proposal is currently just an idea he is floating publicly and that he has not held any formal talks with Poe regarding the matter.
“I’m just floating ideas. At baka naman maisip nila na baka pwede mag-reset,” he said.
Nevertheless, he insisted that both political figures possess the necessary qualifications for national governance. Erice argued that the proposed tandem would bring competent leadership at a time when the country faces mounting economic and governance issues.
He lamented that the Philippines has slipped from being a “rising tiger” economy back to the “sick man of Asia,” pointing to corruption, economic mismanagement, and personality-driven politics as the culprits.
The lawmaker stressed that upcoming electoral campaigns must focus on reforming voter mindsets rather than relying purely on a candidate’s popularity and name recall.
Despite endorsing Roxas for a political comeback, Erice acknowledged that the former cabinet official and senator has not expressed any desire to seek the highest office.
“Hindi ko sinasabing gusto na ni Mar,” he clarified.