Various sectors in Negros Occidental launched the "Risa Na" movement on Sunday, June 28, in support of Senator Risa Hontiveros for a possible 2028 presidential run.
The launch "Risa Na - Negros Alliance", held at Gonzaga Gym in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City, gathered members of the urban poor, women's organizations, transport groups, labor unions, farmers, fisherfolk, youth groups, and other community organizations.
Local chapters of Akbayan and Magdalo also joined the event, along with former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who expressed support for the movement and its objectives.
"Kaisa niyo kao hindi lang sa pagsapi ng RISA movement kundi sa pagpursue ng lahat ng objectives ng grupo pati na rin ag mga inyong mga future activities," Trillanes told participants.
He said there were two major reasons for launching the movement at this time, citing what he described as current political developments, including issues surrounding the Senate, the upcoming impeachment proceedings, and alleged destabilization efforts.
He added that the launch marks the beginning of preparations for the 2028 elections.
"Hindi ito maaga, kabaliktaran ito ay huli na. Ngayon po ang tamang panahon at ito na nga magandang panimula," he said.
Trillanes said the group chose Hontiveros because of her long-standing advocacies and her record of championing various sectors of society.
"Nakita rin natin ang tapang ni Senator Risa na tumindig laban sa mga makakapangyarihan na mga politiko," he said, adding that her record spans from the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to that of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Trillanes also presented survey results that he said were commissioned by the group.
According to the survey, Vice President Sara Duterte posted a 63.6 percent voter preference rating in January 2026, while Hontiveros received 29.4 percent. In April 2026, Duterte's rating stood at 63.8 percent, while Hontiveros' rose to 32.5 percent.
Trillanes said a candidate only needs to reach the "winning number" of 51 percent and argued that Hontiveros needs to gain only about 18 percentage points over the next two years.
He also said Hontiveros' initial survey ratings were higher than where former Vice President Leni Robredo finished in previous presidential preference surveys.
The survey also showed Hontiveros posting stronger numbers in Regions I, II, and V, according to Trillanes. He said another survey is scheduled to be conducted in July 2026.
Hontiveros has yet to formally declare her candidacy for president in the 2028 elections. However, she previously said she is "seriously considering" seeking a national post in 2028, including a possible presidential run.
Duterte remains the only political figure who has publicly announced plans to seek the presidency in the 2028 elections.
