MANILA — The opposition is expected to name its presidential candidate for the 2028 national elections by the end of 2026 or early 2027, according to Senator Risa Hontiveros.

The announcement comes after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her presidential bid for the 2028 polls.

“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.
(As of now, reform-minded and opposition forces are focused on building stronger unity to select our candidates, whether by the end of the year or the first quarter of next year.)

Hontiveros emphasized that the common values guiding the opposition’s choice remain unchanged: anti-corruption, good governance, equitable economic growth, national unity, and the defense of Philippine sovereignty.

“Dahil ilang taon na rin kaming magkakasama at regular na naguusap… ‘Yung common values na nahanap namin sa aming hanay… pagnanais para sa anti-corruption and good governance, 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.
(Because we have been working together for years, the common values we have identified include the desire for anti-corruption and good governance, the growth and equitable sharing of a stronger economy, true unity in our divided society, and national sovereignty.)

When asked about Duterte’s presidential bid, Hontiveros said, “Well, sabi ng mga paborito nating mga philosophers tayo po ay may free will, so gamitin po natin.”
(Well, as our favorite philosophers said, we have free will, so let’s use it.)

Hontiveros has previously said she remains open to running for president or vice president in 2028 if the united opposition chooses her as their standard-bearer.