Sen. Risa Hontiveros said she is preparing to emerge as the strongest possible candidate from the pinks for the 2028 presidential elections, while urging opposition groups to unite behind whoever proves to be the most viable contender.
Hontiveros made the remarks during a press conference in Iloilo City, where she discussed her preparations for the upcoming presidential race. She said she is working to build her strength as her group weighs who would be best positioned to represent them in 2028.
“I am preparing very hard, working very hard para maging yung pipiliin nung hanay namin as the strongest possible candidate sa 2028,” Hontiveros said.
The senator said opposition forces should eventually rally behind a single candidate once they determine who has the strongest chance of winning. She added that if she emerges as the leading choice within their ranks, she would consult with her allies.
“That’s why I’m preparing, I’m strengthening myself. Dahil kung lumabas na ako yung pinakamalakas na pwedeng kumandidato mula sa hanay namin. Then, kakausapin ko yung mga kasama at yung mga kaalyado sa hanay namin,” she said.
Hontiveros emphasized that the opposition needs to back only one candidate to maximize its chances in the 2028 polls.
“Let’s unite around the strongest one para may fighting chance tayo,” she said.
She said a united opposition could offer Filipino voters a clear set of plans and a vision for the country’s future.
“Pwede, we can make the best offer sa ating mga kababayan, sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino. Of all of these things we’ve been talking about, the future we want to expect, the future we dream about, the future that we want to create,” Hontiveros said.
While Hontiveros expressed hope that she could become the opposition’s chosen candidate, she has yet to formally declare a presidential bid.
“I’m preparing and hoping and praying na ako yun,” she said.
Recent surveys suggest that Hontiveros is not currently the strongest contender among opposition figures. In Pulse Asia’s July 2026 Ulat ng Bayan survey, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo ranked second with 26%, behind Vice President Sara Duterte’s 49%.
