Philippines – Senator Risa Hontiveros has put her cards on the table for 2028. Speaking at a press conference in Iloilo City, she said she is working hard to become the strongest candidate the opposition can field in the next presidential race — while pushing rival camps to unite behind a single contender.
According to a news report on her Iloilo appearance, Hontiveros made clear that her preparations are already underway, even though she has not yet filed a formal bid.
Preparing to Be the Opposition’s Top Pick
Hontiveros said she is putting in the work now so her group can consider her when the time comes to choose a standard-bearer.
“I am preparing very hard, working very hard para maging yung pipiliin nung hanay namin as the strongest possible candidate sa 2028,” she said.
She explained that if she proves to be the most viable choice, she will sit down with her allies before moving forward.
“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.
A Call for a United Opposition
The senator’s central message was unity. She warned that a divided opposition would waste its shot in 2028, arguing that only one candidate should carry the group’s hopes.
“Let’s unite around the strongest one para may fighting chance tayo,” she said.
Hontiveros added that a single, agreed-upon bet could give voters a clear vision to rally around.
“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,” she said.
For now, she stopped short of declaring a run. “I’m preparing and hoping and praying na ako yun,” she said.
Where the Numbers Stand
Recent polling suggests Hontiveros still has ground to cover. The Pulse Asia July 2026 Ulat ng Bayan survey showed:
- Vice President Sara Duterte leading with 49%
- Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo in second at 26%
Those figures place Hontiveros outside the front-runners among opposition figures for now — a gap she appears determined to close before 2028.