Caloocan 2nd District Representative Egay Erice believes that Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros are “not yet prepared“ to run for the presidency in 2028.
“Hindi pa sila handa sa ngayon,“ Erice said during an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Friday.
The lawmaker believes that former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo remains the most prepared candidate, citing her strong national recognition.
Sa tingin ko ang pinakahanda, mayroong national recognition ay si VP Leni Robredo,” Erice said in an interview.
Erice noted that although Vice President Sara Duterte is currently gaining in the surveys, she still faces numerous issues that need to be addressed. “At si Vice President Sara bagamat siya ang nakakangat [sa surveys] sa ngayon, mas marami siyang issue na sasagutin,“ he said.
He also expressed doubts over Hontiveros’ chances, citing the senator’s current survey ratings.
“Matagal na akong sumasama sa presidential campaign. At makikita niyo naman sa survey ratings na sa ngayon ang pinakamalakas na kandidato ng Liberal Party at ng oposisyon, even sa ratings ay si Vice President Leni” he noted.
When asked if Hontiveros has any chance of winning against Duterte, he said the survey numbers speak for themselves.
“Makikita niyo naman ang ratings. The ratings would speak for itself,” Erice replied.
Erice believes 2028 presents the Liberal Party’s best opportunity to regain national leadership if Robredo runs as their presidential candidate, without forming alliances with the administration.
“Ito ang pinakamagandang pagkakataon para kay VP Leni na magawa niya ang kanyang mga advocacy para sa ating bansa. ‘Yan naman ang nakalinya sa partido Liberal. Kaya nga, tingin ko this is the best time for the liberal party that we should go alone,” he said.
He criticized the current administration, adding, “Kami ang ang dapat na humarap sa bayan at ipahayag namin ang aming mga plataporma dahil talaga naman na sumira sa mga pangako si President Marcos, at Vice President Sara. Sabi nila unity [naging] away. Sabi nila maayos na gobyerno [naging] magulong gobyerno. Silang pareho ang may kasalanan nito.”
Erice warned of the consequences if Robredo does not run. “Ang aking pinakakaba kung hindi tatakbo si VP Leni ay maaaring manalo si VP Sara pero hindi papayagan ito ng administrasyong Marcos.. “
“Sa tingin ko si VP Sara mamamayani dahil siya 'yung pinaka opposition laban sa Pangulong Marcos dahil hindi naman nasasagot yung pinakamalaking korapsyon. ‘Yung mga akusasayon sa kanya 125 million, maliit kumpara sa P1.5 trillion na nawala, nanakaw ng gobyernong Marcos, nakita naman natin ang epekto nito sa ating ekonomiya, bumagsak talaga,” he emphasized.
Erice maintained that he sees no one other than Robredo as a viable candidate for the presidency.
