Political analyst Edmund Tayao suggests that Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson and Education Secretary Sonny Angara could emerge as formidable candidates in the 2028 presidential elections, potentially capitalizing on voter exhaustion regarding political turbulence.
During a television interview, Tayao observed that the political environment remains unpredictable, even as early surveys place Vice President Sara Duterte at the forefront.
He highlighted Angara as a dark horse who has maintained a positive reputation despite being indirectly linked to the controversies of his associates.
“I can very well include, add to the list… Angara. Tahimik. Pero hindi mo masasabi na hindi maganda yung pangalan,” Tayao said.
The analyst noted that while issues have surfaced, Angara is not the primary target of these concerns.
“Kaya lang, mayroon ding lumalabas na issue na sa totoo lang, hindi talaga siya directly involved. May mga kinuha siyang tao ng tao ng iba. So ngayon, nasasabit siya,” he added.
Tayao also pointed to Lacson—who previously sought the presidency in 2004 and 2022—as a candidate whose disciplined, “work-first” reputation may finally resonate with an electorate seeking stability over political drama.
“I can very well think that… Lacson will really be a very strong contender this time,” Tayao remarked. “Yung huling dalawang takbo naman yan, tingin ko parang hindi naman siya seryosong tumakbo. But this time, because everyone actually has been looking at him as a rather very steady political leader. Eye on the ball, so to speak. Trabaho kung trabaho.”
According to Tayao, the current climate of “noise and mess” in Philippine politics is driving a demand for reliability.
“So makikita ng tao ito. Kasi sa ingay at sa gulo na nakikita natin ngayon sa politika natin rather, ang hinahanap ngayon ng tao yung something that’s steady and reliable,” he added.
While Senator Raffy Tulfo also remains a staple in early discussions due to his high visibility, Tayao cautioned that all potential aspirants will eventually face intense vetting regarding their qualifications and flaws.
“And when you put yourself in front as one of the possible choices of the people, whether you like it or not, hahanapin at hahanapin ng tao yung qualification mo. And at the same time, reasons not to choose you,” he said.
With two years remaining before the polls, Tayao stressed that the list of contenders is far from final.