The Akbayan Party formally endorsed Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday as its potential presidential contender for the upcoming 2028 elections, pointing to mounting public appeals for her to spearhead the democratic opposition.
In a public statement, the political party emphasized that the Philippines is grappling with a prolonged and severe leadership deficit, prompting citizens to look for an alternative figure defined by integrity, competence, and unyielding principles.
“Sa gitna ng malalim na krisis sa pamamahala, at sa pagod, hirap, at pagkadismaya ng milyun-milyong Pilipino, patuloy tayong naghahanap ng lider na may integridad, kakayahan, at malinaw na paninindigan; isang lider na kayang tumulong sa atin upang ibangon at ayusun ang ating bayan (Amid a deep crisis in governance, and through the fatigue, hardship, and frustration of millions of Filipinos, we continue to search for a leader with integrity, capability, and a clear stance; a leader who can help us lift up and fix our nation),” Akbayan stated.
The organization highlighted that it acknowledges the expanding public push for Hontiveros to seek the presidency in 2028, affirming her readiness to act as the primary torchbearer for the democratic opposition forces.
“Dahil dito, kinikilala ng Akbayan Party ang lumalakas na panawagan para kay Senator Risa Hontiveros bilang kandidato sa pagkapangulo sa 2028, at ang kanyang kahandaang tumindig bilang standard-bearer ng demokratikong oposisyon (Because of this, Akbayan Party recognizes the growing call for Senator Risa Hontiveros as a presidential candidate in 2028, and her readiness to stand as the standard-bearer of the democratic opposition),” the political group added.
Akbayan further proclaimed its absolute organizational mobilization to anchor her prospective presidential run, working alongside grassroots social movements, sectoral alliances, and local and national political figures.
“Bilang kanyang partido, kasama ang mga kaalyadong social movements, sectoral groups, at local and national leaders, idinedeklara ng Akbayan ang buong organisasyonal nitong kahandaan para sa kanyang kandidatura (As her party, together with allied social movements, sectoral groups, and local and national leaders, Akbayan declares its full organizational readiness for her candidacy),” the statement read.
The party also drew attention to Hontiveros’ legislative track record, noting her landmark contributions to expanding maternity leave benefits, shielding patients from predatory hospital regulations, and championing affordable healthcare and medicine.
“Kasama natin lagi si Risa. Mula sa pagpapalawig ng maternity leave para sa mga working nanay, pagprotekta sa mga pasyente laban sa mga abusadong ospital, hanggang sa pagsusulong ng murang gamot at tunay na universal health care, dala niya ay kalinga, aksyon, at solusyon upang mapabuti ang ating mga buhay (Risa has always been with us. From expanding maternity leave for working mothers, protecting patients against abusive hospitals, to pushing for cheap medicine and true universal health care, she brings care, action, and solutions to improve our lives),” the group noted.
Describing Hontiveros as a resolute leader, Akbayan stressed her long-standing history of defending disenfranchised communities and pushing back against deeply entrenched political interests.
“Hindi siya umaatras para sa mahihina, hindi siya natitinag sa harap ng makapangyarihan, at hindi siya tumitigil hangga’t may kailangang ipagtanggol (She does not back down for the weak, she is not shaken in front of the powerful, and she does not stop as long as there is someone who needs to be defended),” the party described.
Amid the prevailing sociopolitical friction and economic challenges, the group urged regular citizens to consolidate their ranks.
“At tulad niya, tayong ordinaryong mamamayan ay hindi rin umaatras. Sa kabila ng hirap at gulo, hindi tayo sumusuko sa pag-abot ng ating mga pangarap para sa isang mas magandang buhay (And like her, we ordinary citizens do not back down either. Despite the hardships and chaos, we do not give up on reaching our dreams for a better life),” the party said.
Akbayan concluded its endorsement with a strong rallying cry for unified action, framing it as a necessary step toward national renewal.
“Kaya muli tayong magkaisa at sama-samang umabante. Dahil ang bansang hindi umaatras ay bansang susulong sa magandang bukas (So let us unite once more and move forward together. Because a nation that does not back down is a nation that will move forward to a beautiful tomorrow),” the statement concluded.