Risa Hontiveros: Project 2028?

Yes, I don’t want chaos. I want everyone to be on good terms with each other. That would be better,” President Marcos declared (in Filipino) in a wide-ranging podcast episode following the midterm elections. “I have had too many enemies, I don’t need any additional ones—what I need is friendship.” The President effectively admitted that his coalition heavily underperformed in the recent midterm elections, which were supposed to serve as a referendum on his administration.

Mr. Marcos underscored his recognition of voters’ more foundational preference for economic security over political polarization. Shortly after, he announced a major Cabinet reshuffle—and asked all his alter egos to chip in their courtesy resignations. As expected, the move ended up being more of a theatrical stunt than a real reboot, since practically all economic managers and core Cabinet members kept their portfolios. The only curious exception was the Department of Foreign Affairs, which will now be led by a veteran diplomat known for deftly dealing with China. Newly minted Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro is also the perfect diplomat to prepare us for our Asean chairmanship next year.

What stood out in Mr. Marcos’ latest thinking-out-loud podcast episode, however, was his continued openness to “reconciliation” with the Dutertes. “We have not been on the same page. But we can just focus on our jobs rather than engaging in confrontation. Let’s not [continue this] … let’s end the chaos,” the President added. This was, to put it mildly, a curious proposition. After all, the main source of animosity is not from his side but rather from the Dutertes, who have repeatedly insulted, threatened the President and his family, and even agitated for rebellion if not a military coup to topple the incumbent. And didn’t Vice President Sara Duterte just welcome a “bloodbath” in the coming months—especially as allies of Mr. Marcos prepare for her trial at the Senate? Hence, my sardonic suggestion: that Mr. Marcos rehire the Vice President under the much-vaunted Cabinet reboot.

As he enters his legacy years, the President is clearly signaling a more constructive approach. His rivals, however, have smelled blood and sensed potential weakness. Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who could be facing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest for alleged involvement in mass atrocities, was quick to demand “extreme[ly] sincere” concessions. Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go demanded the return of the former president from ICC detention.

In stark contrast to the Marcos camp’s ambivalent positioning, the genuine opposition is in a triumphant headspace. Against all odds, and in defiance of all authoritative surveys, the liberal-progressive opposition scored major victories in these elections, making them a true ”third force” in Philippine politics.

By all accounts, Sen. Risa Hontiveros has been the most successful opposition leader in recent memory, scoring an almost 100-percent success rate. The “Chekibam” (Chel Diokno-Kiko Pangilinan-Bam Aquino) had an incredible electoral showing. Former senator Leila de Lima is set to return to legislative work and, along with Diokno, will prosecute the case against the Vice President. Social democratic Akbayan topped the party list race, while progressive champions such as former vice president Leni Robredo, Mayor Vico Sotto, and Congresswoman Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao won decisively in high-stakes races.

Recognizing the historic success of the genuine opposition, Hontiveros expressed her openness to become the standard-bearer of the opposition in the next presidential elections. “I am not saying no, I am open to all possibilities … (Let’s be) open to all possibilities for the sake of the opposition as well as the masses … I have no idea who these people might be because that would be a part of the selection process, which I hope we would be able to design after nine months of unifying our forces,” she said in a recent press conference, underscoring her commitment to systematic coalition-building and even potential primaries for the next major elections.

Over the past decade, Hontiveros has steadily emerged as the “iron lady” of progressive forces in the country, as well as a pragmatic and effective leader in the eyes of the Filipino masses and even conservative voters. She was the ”breakout star” statesman last year, with her tireless pursuit of criminal groups, and the stellar leader of the opposition in this year’s elections. Arguably, no one is better placed to shepherd the progressive-liberal forces for the few fateful years ahead of the 2028 presidential race.