Traditional opposition forces in the Philippines are working to unite behind a solitary presidential contender by early next year in an effort to avoid dividing their voter base for the 2028 national elections, according to Liberal Party (LP) President and former Quezon Representative Erin Tañada.
Speaking in a television interview, Tañada disclosed that the LP, Akbayan, and the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) have already established a foundational agreement to back just one standard-bearer.
“What’s working right now is the Liberal Party, Akbayan, and the KNP. We may have our preferences at this point, but I think there’s an agreement (that) when 2027 comes, magkakaroon ng isang kandidato lang,” Tañada said.
The former lawmaker shared that the alliance is holding onto hope that former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo might rethink her consistent statements that she has no intentions of launching another presidential campaign.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that other figures are actively under consideration.
“Mayor Leni mentioned already a list of names. There’s Kiko, there’s Bam, there’s Risa. So these are people that are possibilities,” he said, referring to Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, and Risa Hontiveros.
The opposition coalition expects to map out its definitive path forward within the initial months of 2027.
“Hopefully, based on the time schedule by first quarter of next year, or January of next year for that matter, because no one decides on Christmas,” he said.
Tañada emphasized that voter preference surveys will heavily dictate the coalition’s ultimate selection, particularly if Robredo’s polling figures keep climbing despite her reluctance to declare a bid.
“I think what happens now, that’s why the clamor might even be stronger as we move towards the end of the year,” Tañada said.
“Because what happens now if Leni’s numbers continue to improve? She must be doing something right. She has not declared. She has kept quiet. When she’s asked again, she denies, but the numbers continue to go up,” he added.
He highlighted recent polling data showing that Robredo stays highly competitive against other projected contenders, even after retreating from the national political stage following her 2022 run.
“Numbers will play a very important role in deciding who that candidate will be,” he said.
Deliberations regarding a vice-presidential running mate and more expansive coalition strategies will be deferred until the political bloc finalizes its top nominee.