'Risa Na, Cebu': Supporters back Hontiveros for 2028 presidential bid

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Supporters of Senator Risa Hontiveros from various sectors in Cebu gathered on Saturday, July 4, to express support for her potential presidential bid in the 2028 national elections during the official launch of the “Risa Na, Cebu” movement.

Held at a university in Cebu City, the event brought together representatives from the youth, urban poor, labor, fisherfolk, women, LGBTQIA+ community, religious sector, professionals, academe, and other people’s organizations.

Progressive organizations, including Partido Manggagawa (PM), Sentro, and Samahang Magdalo, also joined the event, carrying and waving their organizational flags during the event.

Sectoral leaders express support

Several sectoral representatives cited their respective advocacies as reasons for supporting Hontiveros’ possible presidential run.

Joksan Barzuela, a fisherfolk representative from Talisay City, Cebu, said he believes Sen. Risa Hontiveros has long supported the concerns of fisherfolk and farmers.

“Karon, adunay nitumaw nga usa ka kandidato nga dugay na natong kauban sa pakigbisog sa atoang inadlaw adlaw nga pakigbisog nga diin maduso ang atoang mga issues ilabi na sa hugpong sa mga mananagat hangtod sa mga mag-uuma,” Barzuela said.

(Now, a candidate has emerged who has long been with us in our daily struggles to push forward our issues, especially for the fisherfolk group as well as for farmers.)

Gemma Rosaceña, a vendor and leader from the urban poor sector, said she hopes issues affecting informal workers would receive greater attention.

She cited the proposed Magna Carta for Informal Workers and urged fellow supporters to back Hontiveros in the 2028 elections.

“Isip usa ka vendor ug usa ka inahan, matag adlaw maningkamot ang mga sidewalk vendor nga manginabuhi sa dalan […] gusto nakong hangyuon nga atoang suportahan si Senator Risa sa umaabot nga 2028,” Rosaceña said.

(As a vendor and a mother, sidewalk vendors work hard to earn a living in the streets […] I would like to ask everyone to support Senator Risa this 2028.)

‘Risa Na, Cebu’ attendees optimistic

Political vlogger Lovely Granada described the gathering as an opportunity for Visayans to make their voices heard ahead of the 2028 elections.

“This is really significant para mabatian nato ang tingog, ang alternative nga voice sa mga bisaya kauban ang mga Sugboanon. I think it’s important pud nga madunggan ang atoang tingog sa kabisayaan,” she said.

(This is really significant in that our voices will be heard—the alternative voice of the Visayans, including the Sugbuanons. I think it’s important to make our voices as Visayans heard.)

READ: At Cebu visit: Risa Hontiveros ‘seriously considering’ running for president in 2028

Asked about the turnout, Granada said she was encouraged by the number of people who attended the event.

She added that, for her, the gathering was about advocating for what she believes would be beneficial for the country.

READ: Risa Hontiveros: I never recommended banning any game

Grassroots launch

According to organizers, the “Risa Na, Cebu” launch was initiated by young supporters who believe Hontiveros’ record in public service and advocacies reflect the kind of leadership they want to support ahead of the 2028 elections.

The organizers said the event sought to bring together supporters from different sectors across Cebu to demonstrate what they described as grassroots backing for Hontiveros’ possible presidential candidacy.///

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