Drilon Calls for Opposition Unity with Common Candidate to Challenge VP Sara in 2028
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has publicly urged the opposition to rally behind a single common candidate to effectively compete against Vice President Sara Duterte in the upcoming 2028 Presidential Election. This statement follows a private lunch meeting with leaders from the Liberal Party and Akbayan, where strategies for the future political landscape were discussed.
Need for a Unified Front
Drilon emphasized that selecting one candidate through an agreed-upon process is crucial for the opposition to have any realistic chance against Vice President Duterte. He pointed out that without such unity, the opposition's candidate would likely face insurmountable odds in the election. The former lawmaker highlighted the current lack of a clear mechanism for choosing this candidate, admitting that there is no specific plan in place yet on how to achieve this goal.
Timeline and Strategic Planning
Despite the challenges, Drilon insisted that the opposition must finalize their candidate before the end of 2026. This timeline would provide ample opportunity for campaign preparation and fundraising efforts, ensuring a robust and well-organized bid for the presidency. He stressed that early selection is key to building momentum and securing the necessary resources to mount a competitive challenge.
Current Political Landscape
As of now, the opposition has not yet chosen a candidate for the 2028 election. In contrast, Vice President Sara Duterte has already indicated her plans to run, following signals of support from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. This early positioning by VP Sara adds urgency to Drilon's call for opposition cohesion, as it underscores the need for a swift and decisive response from rival political factions.
Drilon's remarks come at a critical juncture, as political groups begin to strategize for the next electoral cycle. The focus on unity and process reflects broader concerns within the opposition about fragmentation and the importance of presenting a strong, consolidated alternative to voters in the coming years.
