Sen. Risa Hontiveros has moved closer to a possible 2028 national run, confirming in Guimaras that she is “seriously considering” seeking higher office while warning that the opposition cannot afford a divided fight.
Speaking to local media on Friday, May 22, Hontiveros said the political landscape has become an informal “primaries” for possible national leaders. She urged democratic and progressive forces to unite behind one candidate when the official campaign begins if they intend to challenge the administration’s political machinery.
“There can only be one,” Hontiveros said.
The statement puts Hontiveros inside the early 2028 conversation as the opposition continues searching for a clear standard-bearer. She acknowledged that, like possible contenders, she is working to improve her voter survey numbers. Still, she said she is prepared to back whichever opposition figure emerges with the strongest public support.
Hontiveros said she had prepared herself for a possible higher office run even before the recent turbulence inside the Senate. But she stressed that her immediate focus remains on restoring order in the chamber after controversies disrupted its work.
“Of course, as of the moment, the urgent task is to straighten ourselves as a Senate, so that’s where I am focused now,” she said.
She added that her final decision may come by December. “By the end of the year, let’s see. There must only be one.”
Hontiveros also addressed former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo’s repeated statements that she no longer plans to seek national office and will instead focus on local governance. Hontiveros admitted she was initially disappointed, but said she now views Robredo’s decision as a passing of the torch.
Hontiveros said her provincial visits have shown that people on the ground are focused on protecting democratic processes, including clean and orderly Barangay and SK elections.
