Metro Manila, Philippines – Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Bam Aquino, and former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III are potential standard bearers for the 2028 presidential race, a former lawmaker said.
In an interview on “The Newsmaker,” Trillanes said Vice President Sara Duterte would not be unbeatable even if she survives impeachment as damaging evidence would still shape public perception.
“Pag lumabas yung ebidensya, mag-stick yun. Hindi na makakalimutan ng mga tao yun,” Trillanes said.
[Translation: Once the evidence comes out, it will stick. People will not forget it.]
“Kahit hindi ’to mag-lead to a conviction sa Senate trial… assuming the worst na hindi makonvict yan, mag-stick pa rin yan,” he added.
[Translation: Even if it does not lead to a conviction in the Senate trial… assuming the worst that she is not convicted, it will still stick.]
Trillanes went on to make a blunt assessment of how voters may react.
“Hindi makakalimutan ng mga tao na magnanakaw si Sara,” he said. “Pag nakita nila yun, siguro naman hindi n’yo iboboto yung magnanakaw sa pagka presidente ng Pilipinas.”
[Translation: People will not forget that Sara is a thief. Once they see that, surely they will not vote for a thief as president of the Philippines.]
Asked about opposition strategy amid the continued strength of Duterte-aligned forces, Trillanes said political groups have begun consolidating early, learning from their loss in 2022.
“Mag-consolidate yung mga hanay tapos mamili kung sino yung karapat-dapat na kandidato,” Trillanes said.
[Translation: The groups will consolidate and then choose who the most deserving candidate is.]
Asked about the initial names, Trillanes said Aquino and Hontiveros have expressed openness to playing key roles.
“Sa ngayon ang nagsabi na bukas sila ay si Sen. Bam at si Sen. Risa,” he said, adding they could either run or endorse and rally support for a common candidate.
[Translation: For now, those who have said they are open are Sen. Bam and Sen. Risa.]
Trillanes also said Torre is an option.
“Sa side ng admin (administration), si General Torre is one of those being considered,” he said.
[Translation: On the administration side, General Torre is one of those being considered.]
He cited Torre’s policy ideas and grassroots appeal as strengths.
“Maganda yung kanyang mga initiatives… maganda rin yung kanyang connect sa masang Pilipino,” Trillanes said.
[Translation: His initiatives are good, and he also has a strong connection with the Filipino masses.]
Torre, who has been appointed as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager, was PNP chief last year but was removed from his post after a clash with the National Police Commission.
