Risa Hontiveros ‘seriously considering’ running for president in 2028

Senator Risa Hontiveros meets with the media in Cebu on Friday, June 19. | CDN Digital photo / Lyle Andales

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros said she is “seriously considering” seeking a national post in the 2028 elections during a press conference on Friday, June 19.

Hontiveros made the statement when asked about calls from various sectors urging her to run for president in the next national elections.

The senator said she is preparing for the possibility, saying it is important for their ranks to put forward what she described as the strongest and most hopeful choice for Filipino voters.

READ: 2028 elections: Risa Hontiveros wants single opposition bet

“I am seriously considering it, preparing for that possibility kay I think it is really necessary na magkaroon kami from our ranks ng strongest, best, most attractive, and hopeful offer sa ating mga kababayan at mga kapwa botante,” she said.

Looking for the strongest contender

Hontiveros said she hopes that by the end of this year, or at the latest by the first quarter of 2027, their group would be able to unite behind a single candidate.

She said rallying behind one contender would give them a better chance in the 2028 polls.

“And I am looking forward to that moment na end of this year or at very, very latest sana for the first quarter next year, magkaisa kami sa aming ranks around whoever will emerge as the strongest contender,” Hontiveros said.

“So magkaisa kami, there can be only one para may fighting chance, then laban na,” she added.

Surveys among factors

Asked what factors would influence the decision on who should run, Hontiveros pointed to indicators such as survey results and the extent of public support.

According to the senator, voter support would be the most important measure of a candidate’s viability.

“Syempre yung mga indicators. For example, yung survey results of that strength, of that wide support mula sa ating mga kababayang botante kasi yun naman yung pinakaimportanteng factor, I believe, in terms of viability ng isang kandidatura,” she said.

READ: Senator Hontiveros slams Senate chaos, ‘bad faith actors’

Cebu visit

Hontiveros held the press conference at Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA in Cebu City as part of a series of engagements in Cebu.

The media briefing served as her primary interaction with the Cebu press and provided local journalists the opportunity to ask questions regarding legislative priorities, Senate developments, and current national issues.

READ: Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano in testy exchange over hospital detention law

During the press conference, the senator also discussed the recent leadership changes in the Senate, ongoing legislative measures, and Senate inquiries.

Aside from meeting with members of the media, Hontiveros was scheduled to serve as keynote speaker at the commencement exercises of another university and headlined the “Boses ng Kabataan” forum hosted by SWU PHINMA.

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