A MOVEMENT expressing support for a possible presidential run by Sen. Risa Hontiveros is launched in Cebu City on Saturday, July 4. (Calvin D. Cordova)
CEBU CITY – A movement encouraging Sen. Risa Hontiveros to run for president in the May 2028 elections was launched here on Saturday, July 4.
About 3,000 people attended the “Kalig-on sa Bisaya, Ipakita! Risa Na!” launching at the Aznar Coliseum of Phinma-Southwestern University.
Clad in white T-shirts with text expressing support for Hontiveros, representatives from various sectors such as urban poor, women, youth, labor, fisherfolk, farmers, LGBTQIA+ communities, and other people’s organizations took part in the activity.
“She is not just an option. Time and time again, she has proven that she can lead the country,” said political vlogger Lovely Granada, one of the key personalities who spoke during the event.
Progressive organizations Akbayan, Partido Manggagawa, Sentro, and Samahang Magdalo also joined the event.
A similar movement was launched in Iloilo City last month.
Organizers said the event in Cebu forms part of the nationwide movement encouraging Hontiveros to consider seeking the presidency in the 2028 national elections.
They clarified that the movement is not an official election campaign but a coalition-building initiative focused on expanding its volunteer base and encouraging public discussions on good governance, accountability, democratic reforms, and social justice.
"Let us unite to choose a candidate who is ready to fight for all of us,” said Joksan Barzuela, representing fisherfolk from Talisay City.
The launching came a few weeks after Hontiveros visited Cebu where she announced that she is "seriously considering" running for president in 2028.