Senator Risa Hontiveros is placing unity at the core of the opposition’s preparations for 2028, saying their strongest candidate must emerge early and gain the full backing of their ranks.
Hontiveros made the remark after a Pulse Asia presidential survey conducted from Feb. 27 to March 2 circulated, showing her among the possible contenders for the May 2028 presidential elections. The same survey showed Senator Raffy Tulfo tied with Vice President Sara Duterte at 46%.
Before the 2028 field fully takes shape, Hontiveros said the “true united opposition” must be prepared to rally behind a single presidential candidate. She added that their standard-bearer could be identified soon or by the end of the year.
“And my dream and my intention is to make sure all of us are united in supporting that person,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.
With Naga Mayor Leni Robredo saying she prefers to seek another term as city mayor, Hontiveros said several opposition figures remain qualified to run for president.
She said the opposition has already agreed on its working principle: the strongest candidate from their ranks should lead the fight.
“We have already discussed this would be our working principle, to be united behind the strongest candidate who will emerge from our ranks. And I am confident that we will have a fighting chance to present the best alternative,” she said.
Hontiveros said she was not surprised by the survey findings, noting that she had previously run for senator even when she was considered an underdog. Still, she stressed that it remains too early to predict the outcome of the 2028 presidential race.
She said Filipinos are facing more urgent concerns, including the rising prices of basic goods and commodities as well as high electricity costs.
“2028 is still far off. The most important issue right now for Filipinos is the rising cost of basic goods and commodities, the expensive electricity,” she said.
