The United Opposition’s plans and criteria for choosing its presidential standard-bearer remain unchanged despite Vice President Sara Duterte announcing that she will run for president in 2028, Senator Risa Hontiveros said at a press conference on Wednesday, February 18.
Responding to a question on whether Duterte’s declaration makes the situation more urgent, Hontiveros said Filipinos and political groups alike have “free will” and should exercise it.
“Sabi ng mga paborito nating mga philosophers, tayo po ay may free will, so gamitin po natin,” she said, indicating that the opposition will proceed according to its own timetable.
Hontiveros further said they are already in the process of setting their schedule for naming their own presidential bet.
“Nandun kami sa proseso ng pagtatakda ng aming sariling timeline. So yung free will na binanggit ko kanina ay ginagamit na rin po namin sa sarili namin,” she said.
She confirmed that the group is working toward announcing its standard-bearer by the end of the year or by the first quarter of 2027, describing it as a task they have set for themselves.
On whether Duterte’s formal entry into the race changes the qualifications they are seeking in a candidate, Hontiveros said their internal discussions have been ongoing even before the vice president’s announcement.
“Ilang taon na rin kaming magkakasama at regular na nag-uusap, bago pa man itong recent important development, patuloy yung pag-level off namin, pagkakasundo kung ano yung aming requirements or qualifications na hahanapin sa aming hanay. Hindi po nagbabago 'yun,” she said.
Hontiveros clarified that they are not strictly focused on formal qualifications but on shared values, including anti-corruption and good governance, economic growth that benefits more Filipinos, national unity in a divided and polarized society, and the protection of national sovereignty.
She was also asked about pending impeachment complaints against Duterte at the House of Representatives and the possibility that the Senate could sit as an impeachment court should the case move forward.
Reporters raised concerns about the optics of senators, some of whom could be potential presidential contenders in 2028, acting as judges over a possible political rival.
Hontiveros said the Senate’s duty would be clear if impeachment complaints reach the chamber.
“More than any optics, it is clear to us in the Senate that if impeachment complaints reach us, we will become senator-judges and we will decide and vote based on the evidence that will be presented to us,” she said.
She added that impeachment is fundamentally about accountability in government, emphasizing that all public officials, including the highest-ranking ones who may be subjects of impeachment, are answerable to the Filipino people.
“Even now, I am preparing myself for the possibility that impeachment complaints may reach the Senate. If and when that happens, I will serve as a senator-judge and I am clear about my duty,” Hontiveros said
On Duterte’s earlier statement that she is currently the strongest potential candidate for 2028, Hontiveros declined to lay out specific strategies, saying that the opposition’s approach would be finalized once there is full agreement on common candidates.
“Yung strategy na yun, bahagi pa ng matagal at matinding trabaho ang gagawin namin kapag 100% na kaming nagkaisa sa common candidates namin,” she said.
