MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Sonny Trillanes became visibly emotional as he expressed doubts about a potential return to the Senate in 2028 should former Davao City mayor Sara Duterte assume the presidency. In a candid and strongly worded statement, Trillanes argued that seeking public office would be meaningless if national leadership were to revert to a system he has long opposed.

For Trillanes, holding a Senate seat is not merely about winning an election or reclaiming political relevance. He stressed that the effectiveness of any lawmaker depends heavily on the direction set by the country’s highest office. If that leadership, he warned, mirrors the governance style associated with the Duterte political camp, efforts toward accountability and reform would be severely constrained.

The former senator went as far as to say that he would rather lose an election than win under conditions that, in his view, would normalize policies and practices he believes undermine democratic institutions. His remarks reflect a broader concern shared by some sectors of the opposition—that a return of the Duterte family to the presidency could reshape the political environment in ways that limit dissent and reform-driven legislation.

Trillanes has long positioned himself as one of the most vocal critics of the Duterte administration, particularly on issues of human rights, foreign policy, and governance. His emotional reaction underscores how deeply personal and ideological the stakes have become as early political alignments for the 2028 elections begin to surface.

At the same time, his statement invites debate. Critics may view his position as overly pessimistic or dismissive of the role of independent institutions, while supporters see it as a realistic assessment of how power dynamics function in Philippine politics. The exchange highlights an enduring tension in democratic systems: how much influence does the executive branch truly hold over the success or failure of reformist agendas?

As the political landscape slowly shifts toward the next national elections, Trillanes’ remarks raise a broader and unsettling question: in a system shaped by strong personalities and political dynasties, does the pursuit of public office still matter if the direction of leadership at the top remains unchanged? (Larawan mula sa: Facebook)