Senator Risa Hontiveros announced Friday that she is seriously considering a presidential run in the 2028 national elections, following an endorsement from her political party, Akbayan Citizen’s Action Party.
While she is actively preparing for a potential campaign, Hontiveros emphasized that her final decision will depend heavily on the unity of the opposition coalition.
“Ako ay seryosong nagko-consider sa possibility [sa pagtakbo sa 2028] kaya naghahanda ako,” (I am seriously considering the possibility [of running in 2028], which is why I am preparing) Hontiveros stated in a television interview.
The lawmaker made it clear that she is willing to step aside if the unified opposition finds a more viable candidate to challenge the administration’s bet, stressing that division would only hurt their prospects.
“There can be only one [opposition presidential candidate] para may fighting chance,” (so there is a fighting chance) she stressed.
“Kung sino sa amin ang pinaka-mataas, halimbawa sa mga surveys, magkaisa kaming lahat para sa taong iyon, suportahan sya, ako man yon o iba yon,” (Whoever among us ranks the highest, for example in the surveys, let us all unite for that person and support them, whether that is me or someone else) she added.
Recent polling data from Social Weather Stations (SWS), Pulse Asia, OCTA Research, and WR Numero indicate that Vice President Sara Duterte currently leads early presidential preference surveys. Former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, alongside Senator Raffy Tulfo, have also emerged as strong contenders.