Liberal Party President and former Quezon 4th District Representative Erin Tañada on Tuesday expressed confidence that the opposition could perform well in a potential three-way contest for the 2028 presidential elections.
He clarified that there are currently no alliance talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, despite speculation following Vice President Sara Duterte’s own presidential bid.
“I can honestly tell you wala,” Tañada said when asked about any discussions with Marcos’ camp.
He also downplayed political interpretations of a recent meeting between Marcos and former Vice President Leni Robredo, stating the visit had been planned before Duterte’s announcement and involved official matters like flood control inspections and housing agreements.
“This was already planned even before the announcement of VP Sara… Nagkataon lang,” he added.
Political analyst Antonio Contreras had suggested that a Robredo presidential bid, possibly supported by Marcos, could threaten Duterte in 2028.
Tañada stressed, however, that the Liberal Party is prioritizing base consolidation before considering alliances.
“The marching orders coming from our National Executive Council meeting is that we have to strengthen our base. And that’s one. Number two, we will have to consider a lot of factors in forming alliances and coalitions,” he explained.
Tañada expressed optimism that a three-cornered race could favor the opposition, noting that undecided voters currently represent around 40% to 50% of the electorate.
“If there’s going to be a three-way fight, I would still believe that the chances of the Liberal Party or that of the coalition is good,” he said.
He added that survey data and electoral simulations will be key in guiding the party’s strategy as the elections approach.
“We will have to look at data. Election data, and of course, the surveys moving forward,” Tañada concluded.