Senator Risa Hontiveros says she is “preparing” and “seriously considering” running for the presidency in the 2028 elections as former vice president and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has already announced her decision not to seek the country’s highest post.
“Naghahanda ako at dahil sinabi ko na dati, paulit ulit, na tuwing tinatanong kung bukas ako [tumakbo for presidency], willing ako, seriously considering it (I am preparing, and as I have said before, repeatedly—whenever I am asked if I am open [to running for the presidency]—I am willing and seriously considering it),” Hontiveros said Saturday, April 25.
As the Liberal Party (LP) is yet to name who it will tap for the 2028 presidential race, Hontiveros maintained her openness to be the party’s standard-bearer, especially in light of Robredo’s preference to stay in the local government.
Hontiveros said she respects Robredo’s decision and would still do so if she changes her mind.
With no bets yet from within President Marcos’ administration coalition, Vice President Sara Duterte, who already announced her presidential bid, is leading recent surveys for the presidency.
Robredo–although not giving any hints of possibly changing her mind–is placing second in the survey and even closing her gap with Duterte.
“I’ve said from the start, hindi lang kung ano ‘yung decision or yung pag-change ng decision ng sinuman samin (I’ve said from the start, it’s not just about what the decision is or the change of heart of anyone among us),” she said.
“Basta ang akin, kung sino ang pinakamalakas mula sa aming hanay, ‘yun ang argument ko from the start, ‘yun ang suportahan namin para iisa lamang (For my part, whoever is the strongest from our ranks—that has been my argument from the start—that is who we should support so that we remain united as one),” she added.
