The national movement to push for the position of Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel in 2028 was launched by her party partners and many civil organizations on Friday.
Risa Na! The Movement is led by the Akbayan Party-list and the Magdalo Party-list, with the support of volunteers, and several civil society organizations, mainly formed by grassroots sectors.
In a statement released on Friday, the group said the organization aims to gather support for Ms. Hontiveros for the presidency in 2028, including organizing chapters in schools, workplaces and communities across the country.
During the launch of the organization at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, keynote speakers highlighted Ms. Hontiveros’ great work during her years as a lawyer and her long fight for good governance as important qualities that qualify her to be president.
Rafaela David of the Akbayan Party said in her speech Mrs. Hontiveros is a loyal member known for his work within a political world dominated by generations.
“The candidate is an honest leader. He is not known because of his last name, but because of his work. He has done a lot for women,” said Ms David when the organization was launched in Filipino.
“He will also not back down from preventing the return of extrajudicial killings and preventing corruption in flood control systems,” he added.
Senator Hontiveros has yet to officially announce his presidential bid, but he has expressed in various interviews that he is open and willing to run for the 2028 elections, provided he is elected as the leader of a united political opposition.
Risa Na! The Movement also highlighted important legislation championed by Senator Hontiveros during his 16 years as a representative in both chambers of Congress.
Since she was first elected as a member of parliament in 2016 and is currently serving her last term, Ms. Hontiveros has championed several measures that benefit women and children, including the Extended Maternity Leave Act, the Expanded Welfare Act for Single Parents, and the First 1,000 Days Act, among other health-related laws.
Ms. Hontiveros also led the Senate’s investigation into former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s alleged fraudulent citizenship and her ties to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The former mayor was later convicted of human trafficking by a Pasig court and sentenced to life in prison.
If Mrs. Hontiveros formalizes his presidential bid and becomes the leader of the opposition, he may face current Vice Presidential leader Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, who posted a voter approval rating of 51% in the latest Pulse Asia poll released in May.
In a previous survey of the president’s popularity conducted in the first quarter, Mrs. Hontiveros only registered 2% voter turnout, trailing his colleagues, former Vice President Maria Leni G. Robredo and Senator Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV. – Edg Adrian A. Eva
