Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said former Vice President Leni Robredo’s decision to stay out of the 2028 presidential race is a ‘welcome development’ that could help the opposition unify behind a single candidate.
‘I think that’s a welcome development, because we would rather push for somebody who is very much willing to take on the burden of leadership in 2028,’ Trillanes said in an interview on ANC’s “Dateline Philippines” on April 24.
He said the opposition needs to rally behind a candidate prepared for what he described as an unusually difficult presidency, while also building a broader coalition to avoid splitting the anti-Duterte vote.
‘Whoever becomes president in 2028 will face a wartime presidency. This will not be peacetime, business-as-usual stuff,’ he said.
Trillanes said Robredo’s decision not to run allows her to take on a different role in shaping the 2028 race.
‘The good thing about Mayor Leni’s withdrawal is that she can now shift roles and become a kingmaker or queenmaker,’ he said.
He endorsed Sen. Risa Hontiveros as his preferred standard-bearer, citing her character and record.
‘Yes. We have profiled the possible candidates, and aside from qualifications, which many of them have, what matters is heart, strength of character, and conviction. Risa has those,’ Trillanes said.
‘Her temperament is also more balanced than mine. She is ideal for a president. She will fight for you,’ he added.
Coalition vs three-way race
Trillanes, who initially filed the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, said he is pushing for a coalition that could include Marcos administration allies to avoid a three-way contest that could benefit Vice President Sara Duterte.
‘In fact, what I am pushing is this: Sen. Risa as the presidential candidate, endorsed by Mayor Leni, and then a coalition with the administration where the vice president comes from their side,’ he said.
He warned that without such an arrangement, the race could splinter.
‘That becomes a three-way race, and that would favor Sara Duterte,’ he said.
Personal plans. Trillanes also said he is removing himself from contention in 2028, rejecting speculation that he may run for higher office.
‘No. I’m also taking myself out of the picture. Wala na. I know and I accept that I’m not the ideal candidate,’ he said.