‘ATON INI! RISA FOR 6’: Ilonggo supporters bet early on Hontiveros for 2028

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Supporters in Western Visayas have begun rallying early support for Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ potential presidential bid in the 2028 elections with the launch of the “Aton Ini! Risa for 6” movement.

On Saturday, June 13, more than 1,500 supporters from across the region gathered at La Paz Plaza in Iloilo City to rally grassroots support for Hontiveros as an opposition presidential contender in 2028.

The early political mobilization brought together youth groups, transport sector representatives, local officials, and supporters from Panay and Guimaras.

Mardi Mapa-Suplido, former chief operating officer of Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and one of the movement’s conveners, said the group drew lessons from the 2022 presidential campaign of former Vice President Leni Robredo.

“We need to start early. We had a good candidate in 2022, but we lost because we were too late already. If we want to have a good leader, we should not campaign a few months before, not even one year before. We need to start as soon as possible,” she said.

Mapa-Suplido said the movement seeks to strengthen grassroots networks amid what she described as a governance crisis driven by corruption, adding that leadership rooted in integrity and competence is needed.

“We can only have good governance if we have a democratic leader. We need to have democracy in the country and we need the right leaders. We need to elect a leader that has integrity, intelligence, and courage,” she said.

The regional launch followed the June 4 unveiling of the “Risa Na!” movement at the UP Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City.

Organizers said the second rollout was brought to Western Visayas because of Hontiveros’ roots in Aklan.

Former Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said the movement goes beyond support for a single candidate and is meant to promote principled leadership.

“The Risa Na movement is not just for one name or person. It is about a broader call for leadership grounded on principles, courage, and a firm stand for the people,” Alejano said.

“As a former soldier, we know the values of leadership. A leader that will not leave you in dire times because lives are at stake. It is clear for us who to support in 2028. We choose to stand with Hontiveros,” he added.

He also rejected attempts to link Hontiveros to the New People’s Army, pointing to the military backgrounds of her husband, brother, and brother-in-law, who are all alumni of the Philippine Military Academy.

“It should be clear that if you are progressive, it does not mean that you are an enemy of the government or our country. Hontiveros is an activist, a progressive — not a rebel,” he said.

Human rights advocate and LGBTQIA+ community member Rick Maquiling also urged the public, particularly young voters, to be critical of misinformation and to prioritize truth in political discourse.

He described Hontiveros as a “dartboard of fake news and propaganda,” sharing his own experience of being misled in past elections.

Maquiling said the fight against disinformation begins with individuals, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.

He also cautioned that democracy erodes not in a single moment, but when citizens disengage from public affairs.

“Democracy does not die in one day. It dies when good people like you, like us, stop caring for our country. And I hope we don’t become those people,” he said.

Maquiling further encouraged the youth to become more engaged and discerning citizens, saying democracy relies on informed participation and unity rather than division.

“We need to have more empathy for our fellow Filipinos because what they know is also greatly shaped by their own political battles. Try to see things differently. Prioritize looking for the truth. Be proactive rather than reactive […] We need more allies than enemies,” he said.

Hontiveros has repeatedly said she is “seriously considering” a presidential bid in 2028 and that early preparations are already underway among opposition forces.

She said, however, that the opposition bloc must rally behind a single candidate to have a “fighting chance” in the next presidential election.

“What is most important is that we are united in supporting the candidate so that the people can also rally behind and we will have a fighting chance,” she said.