Risa Hontiveros confirmed that the 2028 national elections were among the topics discussed during her recent lunch meeting with Leni Robredo and other key figures of the liberal opposition, acknowledging that early conversations about the next presidential race are already taking place within opposition circles.
Speaking to reporters, Hontiveros said the meeting was part of an ongoing effort to strengthen coordination among opposition groups rather than a formal planning session for 2028. She described the gathering as a continuation of long-running discussions among allies who have worked together across multiple election cycles.
“This is really a continuation of a long-standing conversation. And perhaps, it can be considered a meeting again in that direction. After all, we are not rushing the process,” Hontiveros said.
She stressed that the immediate priority for the opposition is reinforcing unity and sharpening its shared platform, not locking in candidates this early. According to Hontiveros, discussions about elections inevitably surface when opposition leaders meet, but they remain broad and general at this stage.
When asked directly whether the 2028 elections were discussed, Hontiveros answered in the affirmative but clarified that the conversation did not center on specific names or strategies.
“What’s important for us is to further strengthen the foundation of our unity so that, moving forward, we can put our best foot forward and also bring forward our best ideas for our fellow citizens,” she said.
Hontiveros added that the lunch meeting included familiar faces from the liberal opposition and reflected the same core principles that have guided their political alignment in recent years.
“In general, it’s because we had merienda. Whenever that happens, almost anything can come up in conversation. And since many of us work in this space as activists, politicians, it couldn’t be helped that these things were talked about. But again, the discussion always comes back to those very core or basic matters, our principles,” she said.
Despite downplaying any rush toward candidate selection, Hontiveros made clear that she remains open to taking on a leading role if the opposition coalition eventually asks her to do so. She said she would be willing to serve in whatever capacity the alliance decides, whether as its standard bearer or in a supporting role.
The meeting, which included Robredo and other opposition leaders, underscored how the opposition is beginning to recalibrate after recent electoral defeats, with unity and message-building emerging as central themes as the 2028 race slowly comes into view.
