MANILA — Opposition forces are moving to name their standard-bearer for the 2028 presidential elections by the end of 2026 or early next year, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Wednesday, signaling an accelerated push to consolidate ranks following Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s public declaration of her presidential bid.
Speaking at a press conference, Hontiveros said reform-oriented and opposition groups are intensifying coalition-building efforts to solidify unity before choosing a common slate.
“Ang masasabi ko lang, sa ngayon 2026, nakatutok ang mga reform-minded at opposition forces sa pagbubuo ng mas mahigpit pang pagkakaisa para pumili ng aming mga kandidato whether by end of the year or first quarter of next year,” Hontiveros said.
Her statement came days after Duterte-Carpio announced her intention to seek the presidency, a development that has begun to reshape early political alignments ahead of the 2028 polls.
Hontiveros emphasized that the opposition’s criteria for selecting its presidential candidate have long been established and remain unchanged despite recent political shifts.
“Dahil ilang taon na rin kaming magkakasama at regular na naguusap, eh bago pa man itong recent important development ay patuloy ‘yung pagle-level off namin pagkakasundo kung ano ‘yung aming mga requirements or qualifications na hahanapin sa aming hanay. Hindi po nagbabago ‘yun,” she explained.
According to Hontiveros, the coalition is anchored on shared principles focused on clean governance, economic inclusion, national unity, and sovereignty.
“‘Yung common values na nahanap namin sa aming hanay, ‘yung pagnanais para sa anti-corruption and good governance, ‘yung pag-grow at pagse-share ng bunga ng ating mas malakas na ekonomiya, at isang tunay na pagkakaisa sa ating divided at polarized na lipunan, of course pambansang soberenya at iba pa,” she added.
Hontiveros has previously said she is open to running for president or vice president in 2028 if chosen by a united opposition coalition.
The opposition’s timeline suggests that formal political maneuvering for 2028 is already underway, nearly two years before the official campaign period begins./PN
