Risa Na! movement launched in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Various sectoral and progressive groups gathered in Cebu City on Saturday, July 4, for the launch of the “Kalig-on sa Bisaya, Ipakita! Risa Na!” movement, signaling support for Senator Risa Hontiveros ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.

Held at Southwestern University’s Aznar Coliseum, the activity brought together participants from the youth, academe, fisherfolk, LGBTQ+ community, women, professionals, religious organizations, and labor groups, including Partido Manggagawa, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), Samahang Magdalo, and other supporters.

A highlight of the event was a recorded video message from former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, founding chairman of Samahang Magdalo, who urged supporters to strengthen the Risa Na! movement and continue building a nationwide grassroots organization in preparation for the next national elections.

Trillanes said the movement has two primary objectives: to prepare for the 2028 elections and to establish a unified organization capable of mobilizing supporters across the country.

He stressed the need for a strong leadership structure to guide the movement’s local chapters and members in the months ahead.

“Una, ang paghahanda para sa susunod na halalan. Kailangan nating magkaroon ng isang pinuno na siyang gagabay sa iba’t ibang grupo ng mga miyembro. Kailangan nating maging mas organisado sa mga susunod na buwan,” he added.

According to Trillanes, the movement will also serve as the foundation for future initiatives and the continued expansion of its nationwide network.

He praised Hontiveros, saying she has consistently stood up against powerful political interests and has remained committed to advancing the welfare of Filipinos throughout her years in public service.

Trillanes also presented the results of what he described as internal surveys conducted by the movement to assess Hontiveros’ political standing ahead of the 2028 elections.

He said Hontiveros received 29.4 percent in the first survey conducted in January, while a follow-up survey conducted two months later showed her support increasing to 32.5 percent, up 3.1 percentage points.

He added that the movement believes Hontiveros needs to reach around 40 percent to become competitive in the presidential race, noting that there are still about two years before the elections.

Trillanes also claimed that Hontiveros’ 32.5 percent survey rating was higher than the 28 percent garnered by former vice president Leni Robredo in the 2022 presidential elections, suggesting that Hontiveros is starting from a stronger position.

He said another survey is scheduled this July to gauge the movement’s continued growth and public support.

“Kaya ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagpapalawak ng Risa Na! movement sa buong bansa,” Trillanes said.

Also addressing the gathering was political content creator Lovely Granada, who described herself as an advocate of good governance and urged supporters to continue backing leaders who demonstrate integrity, accountability, and genuine public service.

Granada said she supports Hontiveros, whom she believes embodies those qualities.

The launch of the Risa Na! movement in Cebu is part of a broader effort by supporters to consolidate grassroots organizations across the country as they encourage Hontiveros to seek the presidency in 2028, although the senator has yet to formally announce her plans for the next national elections.

In her previous visit to Cebu, Hontiveros said that she is seriously considering a possible run for president in the upcoming elections. She stressed the need to field a strong and hopeful candidate for Filipino voters.

The senator made the statement in response to questions on whether she intends to seek the country’s highest post, expressing gratitude to those encouraging her to pursue it.

“Maraming salamat sa mga nag-express ng ganoong confidence sa akin. I am seriously considering it and preparing for that possibility,” she said, adding that it is important for their ranks to present “the strongest, best, most attractive, and hopeful offer” to the electorate. — (FREEMAN)