Akbayan, Magdalo launch campaign for Risa Hontiveros as President in 2028

A coalition of sectoral organizations on Friday launched a nationwide campaign to push for Senator Risa Hontiveros' candidacy in the 2028 presidential elections.

Members of Akbayan, Magdalo, and other groups gathered at the UP Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City to launch the "Risa Na!" Movement and formally endorse Hontiveros for the country's top post, according to Vonne Aquino's report on dzBB Super Radyo.

Akbayan President Rafaela David said Hontiveros has built a strong legislative track record, citing measures she championed such as the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, and the Mental Health Act.

David said the coalition wants an Hontiveros presidency to prevent a return to what it described as an era of extrajudicial killings and to address alleged corruption in flood control projects.

According to David, coalition leaders have already spoken with Hontiveros, who expressed openness to seeking the presidency but emphasized the need to prepare and build a winning coalition ahead of the 2028 elections.

Former Magdalo Party-list Representative Gary Alejano said the group selected Hontiveros as its preferred presidential candidate following an internal selection process. He also said they believe the lawmaker is principled, brave, free from corruption, and has repeatedly demonstrated her leadership.

Alejano urged supporters to encourage more voters to back Hontiveros in 2028. He said Magdalo has already communicated its endorsement to the senator, who thanked the group for its support.

Former Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad, a member of the Liberal Party, also attended the launch. He said Hontiveros maintains close ties with the party and described her as a leader with integrity and conviction.

Abad added that it would be beneficial for Hontiveros to announce her plans for 2028 early.

In a video message, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Magdalo supports Hontiveros because she embodies the qualities it seeks in a president, including advocating for the rights of workers, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized sectors.

Representatives from workers', youth, academic, and farmers' groups likewise expressed support for a possible Hontiveros presidential bid.

In February, Hontivero said that she remains open to running for president or even vice president in the 2028 elections, if that is what the united opposition would agree upon. –NB, GMA News