Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Friday said it would be unlikely for the Liberal Party and the administration to form a unity ticket in the 2025 midterm polls, because of “unresolved issues” involving the family of President Marcos.
Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes III earlier sought a coalition ticket composed of the Marcos administration and other major political parties to counter the planned run of the former President Rodrigo Duterte and his two sons for the Senate.
“I understand where former Senator Sonny Trillanes is coming from… although it is important to prevent the return to power of the Dutertes, at the same time, there are unresolved issues in our history such as human rights violations and plunder during the martial law dictatorship,” Hontiveros said
According to Hontiveros, she has been working at forging a broad alliance for 2025 for the past 2 years.
“Please take it as that the opposition has its own offer to our people, distinct from that of the administration,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros is the highest-ranking elected official belonging to what many would consider as the opposition.
Hontiveros believes there are other sectors they can invite to their alliance outside of the Marcos and Duterte forces.
Trillanes had suggested that the administration can join forces with the “Dilawan ” or Pink of the opposition.
While the standing of the former President in the “Winning Circle” for senators has been declining, Trillanes said, “we cannot underestimate him and the two other Dutertes since they have the money.”
Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, on the other hand, said if the Liberal Party joins the administration ticket, they will become administration and the Dutertes the opposition.
Since there is no prohibition. he said anybody can form a unity ticket against the Dutertes.
While he was surprised with the announcement, he is happy about it. He said this will be good for the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) because the number of the party’s members in the Senate will increase.
Dela Rosa also said he and Sen. Christopher Go, also of PDP, will wage a guerilla style campaign since they belong neither to the administration or opposition.
“Our campaign trail will be very lonely, but if we have the 3 Dutertes who will run, and if actor Philip (Salvador) will be serious, we will have a happy campaign,” Dela Rosa. .
Asked if the Vice President was merely bluffing on the senatorial run of her father and brothers,
Dela Rosa noted he knows her well and “what she said will happen.”
“You will say it’s too much, but still, it’s the people who will decide if they want you,” related Dela Rosa.
“That’s a reality in the Senate. That is what is happening in the Senate. What’s new? If the Villars, the Cayetanos , the Estradas can do it, why can’t the Dutertes?” he asked. (With ABS-CBN)