Sen. Risa Hontiveros joins leaders of different social movements during the launch on Oct. 2, 2023 of ‘Atin Ito!,’ an initiative to raise awareness and garner support around the cause and situation of West Philippine Sea fisherfolk communities. 

MANILA — A potential face-off between Vice President Sara Duterte and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros in the 2028 presidential elections looms, with the senator saying she is open to being the progressive bloc's standard-bearer then.

"There will certainly be a progressive or reformist alternative," Hontiveros told the Kapihan sa Senado on Wednesday as she also squelched talk of a possible alliance with the administration.

She said, though, that she is open to forging alliances, especially with blocs in the 'Democratic Left' that she and Akbayan have already worked with.

UNIFICATION WITH PROGRESSIVES, LEFTISTS

She said the first nine months after the May polls will be focused on "unification" with these groups.

"Pag nagawa namin yung homework na yun, 'yun 'yung (When we're done with that homework, that will be the) solid core from which we can further expand or explore," she said.

Selection for the "strongest possible slate" can be done later on when groups have more confidence in each other, she said.

She said she and senators-elect Francis Pangilinan and Bam Aquino have been talking to each other and consolidating their allies and supporters.

Hontiveros is from Akbayan, Pangilinan is from the Liberal Party, and Aquino is from the fledgling Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.

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"'Yung pag-reach out sa iba pang mga allies, yung pag-reach out sa mga kaalyado din, sa iba't ibang mga institusyon, may sariling proseso, yung mga kasama sa House, gusto kong makapag-reach out sa mga kaalyado namin sa mga local government units at sa iba pang mga bahagi ng gobyerno na may mga kadiwa kaming nagtagumpay din."

(Reaching out to our allies, to other institutions requires different processes. Reaching out to allies at the Hoyuse. I want to reach out to allies in local government units and to other parts of government where there are people we share principles with)

ALIGNMENTS AT THE SENATE

Hontiveros said she is also open to being Senate minority leader but acknowledged that she, Pangilinan and Aquino may have to compete with senators associated with the Dutertes.

"Kahit ganoon ang mangyari, may Plan B pa rin naman ako, which is the independent bloc."

(Even if that happens, I still have a Plan B, which is the independent bloc)

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She said what is important is for there to be a "center of gravity" that will serve as a check on the majority, whatever the bloc might be called.

"And work in progress pa rin po yun kung ano yung magiging desisyon po namin and final shape namin dito sa Senado."

(Our decision and the final shape we will take in the Senate is a work in progress)

While she has no plans to join the Duterte bloc, she said she is willing to work with other senators on common advocacies like protecting women, improving water and power services, and on going after Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. She added she has no plans to join the majority bloc either.

"Sa mga usaping politikal at mga susunod na electoral, tingin ko importante panatilihin at lalong palawakin, lalong palakasin yung pole na opposition."

(On political issues and in coming electoral exercises, I think it is important to maintain — and even broaden and strengthen — the opposition pole) — RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News