Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV believes Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros is the most qualified candidate to be the opposition’s standard bearer in the 2028 presidential elections against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In an interview, Trillanes said that if the impeachment case against Duterte fails, the opposition must field a “courageous” candidate capable of holding her accountable.
“Assuming wala ulit mangyari doon sa impeachment trial na yon. Kung ano man ang mangyari, baka pigilin ulit ng Korte Supreme o ma-acquit sya. Ang tanong mo kasi paano mapapanagot eh. Pupunta tayo sa 2028, di ba? Yun na yon when else fails,” Trillanes explained.
He added, “Anyway, 2028 na ngayon ang importante. Kaya kailangang manalo iyong kandidato na may balls, ano figuratively, na mapanagot itong mga Duterte na ito.”
While he acknowledged his friendship with Senator Bam Aquino and former Vice President and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Trillanes stressed that Hontiveros is better suited to lead the “legit” opposition compared to the two.
He also accused Robredo of being a “friend” to Vice President Duterte.
“Okay siya, sige, kumbaga maganda iyong saloobin niya. Pero kaibigan niya si Sara Duterte. Remember, pinapasok nga niya sa bahay niya, hinost niya doon. So papaano mo ngayon mapapanagot si Sara kung magpi-presidente si Leni,” Trillanes said.
Aquino and Robredo have yet to comment on Trillanes’ remarks.
The two are reportedly being considered as possible presidential candidates for the Liberal Party in 2028, while some sources say Trillanes is being eyed as Hontiveros’ running mate for vice president.