Risa Hontiveros Prepares for a Possible 2028 Presidential Run
RISA HONTIVEROS – As speculation grows over the next presidential race, Sen. Risa Hontiveros has admitted that she is preparing for the possibility of seeking the country’s highest office.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros is stepping up preparations for a possible run for president in 2028, although she stressed that the opposition’s ultimate goal should be to unite behind a single candidate who has the strongest chance of winning. During a press conference on Friday, Aug. 21, Hontiveros said she has been working to expand her political organization and strengthen her position as she weighs whether she could emerge as the opposition’s leading contender.
“I am preparing very hard. Working very hard,” Hontiveros said when asked about the progress of her decision on a possible presidential bid.
According to the senator, her preparations are not solely focused on securing her own candidacy. She said the opposition must determine which potential candidate has the greatest chance of succeeding in the 2028 elections.
“I always say, just one. That’s why I’m preparing, I’m strengthening myself,” she said.
Hontiveros explained that if future political indicators show she is the strongest choice for the opposition, she would seek the backing of her party and its allied groups.
“If it turns out that I am the strongest, that I can be elected from our party, then I will talk to the members, the allies in our party,” she said.
She added that she would present the data and indicators supporting her potential candidacy and appeal to the broader coalition to rally behind one standard-bearer.
“It’s important that [we have] just one. Let’s unite around the strongest one, so that we have a fighting chance,” Hontiveros said.
The senator also expressed gratitude to her supporters in Iloilo, where some had earlier openly urged her to seek the presidency.
“I am very, very appreciative of your support and encouragement,” she said.
Her latest remarks are among her strongest indications yet that she is seriously considering a presidential campaign, although she has yet to formally announce her candidacy. Hontiveros has consistently argued that the opposition should avoid dividing its support among several candidates and instead unite behind one contender in 2028.
However, early presidential preference surveys show that she faces an uphill battle. In Pulse Asia’s July 2026 nationwide survey, Vice President Sara Duterte led all hypothetical presidential matchups. In a head-to-head contest, Duterte received 60 percent compared with Hontiveros’ 21 percent.
Other recent surveys likewise placed Hontiveros behind Duterte and several possible contenders, including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Sen. Raffy Tulfo. Still, Hontiveros maintained that the final choice should be based on political strength closer to the election and the opposition’s ability to unite.
“We can make the best offer to our countrymen, to our fellow citizens,” she said, referring to “the future we dream about” and “the future that we want to create.”
Speaking before around 200 young participants at Youth Converge 2026 at PHINMA University of Iloilo, Hontiveros ended with a more personal expression of her hopes.
“I’m preparing and hoping and praying that I will be the one,” she said.
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