Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has thrown his support behind Senator Risa Hontiveros as the most capable opposition figure to take on Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential race—should she run.
In a recent interview on the Facts First podcast, Trillanes said Hontiveros stood out among potential candidates because of her consistent defiance of the Dutertes and her courage in demanding accountability.
“What I see for now is Senator Risa Hontiveros,” he said in Filipino. “There are evil forces at play. So you need someone who can stand firm. And Senator Risa has demonstrated that time and again.”
Trillanes made it clear that while he respects Senator Bam Aquino and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, both of whom he described as capable leaders in a more peaceful political climate, he believed they lacked the firmness required to face the current political landscape.
He also expressed discomfort with Aquino and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s decision to join the Senate majority bloc, which includes allies of the Duterte family. Trillanes said he couldn’t imagine aligning with that bloc, especially given their history.
Moreover, he questioned Robredo’s willingness to hold Vice President Duterte accountable, citing her meeting with the latter in her home in 2024. “She invited Sara Duterte, her friend, into her house… so how can she hold Sara accountable now?” he asked.
Trillanes also disclosed that both Aquino and Robredo had previously told him they were not in favor of turning over former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), even if Robredo had won the 2022 elections.
“That’s why I can’t support them in 2028. In fact, I’ll oppose it because I know our agenda isn’t aligned,” he added.
Aquino and Robredo have yet to respond to requests for comment.
