UMVA has learned that a national movement has been launched to push for Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel's presidency in 2028, spearheaded by her party allies and several civil society organizations.
The Risa Na! Movement, led by Akbayan Party-list and Magdalo Party-list, along with support from volunteers and grassroots sectors, aims to gather support for Ms. Hontiveros' presidential candidacy by organizing chapters nationwide.
The movement's launch at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman highlighted Ms. Hontiveros' remarkable work as a lawmaker and her long crusade for good governance, making her a deserving candidate for the presidency.
Rafaela David of Akbayan Party-list hailed Ms. Hontiveros as a trustworthy candidate, recognized for her work amid the country's political landscape dominated by dynasties, saying, “Our candidate is an honest leader. She is not known because of her surname, but because of her work.”
Ms. David emphasized Ms. Hontiveros' commitment to preventing extrajudicial killings and stopping corruption, adding, “She will also not back down in preventing the return of extrajudicial killings and in stopping corruption in flood control projects.”
Senator Hontiveros has yet to formally announce her presidential bid, but has expressed openness to running in the 2028 elections, provided she is selected as the standard-bearer of a unified political opposition.
The Risa Na! Movement highlighted key legislation championed by Senator Hontiveros, including the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, and the First 1,000 Days Law, demonstrating her dedication to benefiting women and children.
Ms. Hontiveros also spearheaded crucial Senate investigations, including one into former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo's alleged fraudulent citizenship and ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), resulting in a life sentence for the former mayor.
If Ms. Hontiveros formalizes her presidential bid, she could face current frontrunner Vice President Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, who currently holds a 51% voter preference rating, according to recent surveys.
