Vice President Sara Duterte has emerged as the frontrunner in a hypothetical head-to-head presidential matchup for 2028 against Senator Risa Hontiveros, according to a pre-election survey by the Magdalo group founded by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
The survey results revealed that Duterte secured 63.8 percent of support, establishing a commanding lead over Hontiveros, who garnered 32.5 percent.
Geographic breakdowns showed the Vice President leading across all major territories. In the National Capital Region, Duterte captured 54 percent against Hontiveros’ 38 percent, while leading 52 percent to 44 percent in Balance Luzon.
The margin widened drastically in the Visayas, with Duterte logging 66 percent over Hontiveros’ 32 percent. The Vice President recorded her highest backing in her political stronghold of Mindanao, securing 96 percent of support against Hontiveros’ 4 percent.
The survey data was made public shortly after the launch of the “Risa Na!” Movement, an initiative organized by the Liberal Party and groups allied with Trillanes, alongside various sectoral organizations. The movement seeks to draft Hontiveros to run for the presidency in the 2028 national elections.
Hontiveros has previously expressed openness to a presidential bid provided she is chosen to lead a united opposition coalition. However, she noted a willingness to back another candidate if future circumstances and polling indicate someone else has a stronger chance of defeating Duterte.
Duterte formally announced her intention to seek the country’s highest office in February, making her one of the earliest figures to declare candidacy for the upcoming elections.
Other prominent names identified in separate pre-election surveys as strong contenders against Duterte include former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, alongside Senator Raffy Tulfo. However, both figures have consistently stated they have no current plans to seek higher office.