MAY 5, 2026 — Former senator Mar Roxas is being floated once again as a possible presidential contender in 2028, with Caloocan Rep. Edgar “Egay” Erice likening him to a “rejected suitor” who still has the heart to fight for the country. Erice insists Roxas remains one of the most qualified figures to challenge Vice President Sara Duterte, who has already declared her intent to run. 

In a chance interview at the House, Erice painted a vivid picture of Roxas’ political journey. 

“Alam mo si Mar Roxas, para ’yang nanligaw, binasted. Masakit sa kanya ’yung pagkaka-basted sa kanya. Pero sa nangyayari sa bayan natin, dahil mahal niya ’yung bayan natin, aba’y nasasaktan ’yan. At ’pag tinawag mo ’yan, lalaban ’yan para sa bayan,” Erice said. 

(You know, Mar Roxas, he’s like someone who courted a woman but got rejected. The rejection hurt him deeply. But because of what’s happening in our country, since he loves it, he ends up being hurt. And when you call on him, he will fight for the nation.)

Roxas, now nearing 69, has lost three major races: the 2010 vice presidency, the 2016 presidency, and the 2019 Senate bid. Since then, he has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Yet Erice believes Roxas’ competence and experience make him the most qualified among potential candidates. 

“Maliwanag naman, ang pinaniniwalaan ko, yung kakayahan ni Mar Roxas,” he stressed. 

(It is clear that what I believe in is Mar Roxas’ capability.)

The Liberal Party’s dilemma

With former Vice President Leni Robredo firm on her decision not to run in 2028, the Liberal Party faces a leadership vacuum. 

Erice admitted that convincing Roxas won’t be easy, noting that the former Cabinet official himself has asked, “Ano ba bago? May boto pa ba ako?” 

(What’s new? Do I still have my votes?)

For Erice, the answer lies in shifting voter mindset. 

“Hindi dapat ang magbago yung kandidato. Ang magbago, yung mga pag-iisip ng tao. So magkampanya tayo, baguhin natin yung isip ng tao. Bumoto sila, qualifications, competence, at tingin ko, sa lahat ng mga kandidato na yan, ang pinaka-qualified si Mar Roxas,” he insisted. 

(It’s not the candidate who should change, but the thinking of the people. Let’s campaign to change the mindset. They should vote based on qualifications and competence, and among all the candidates, I think Mar Roxas is the most qualified.) 

Competence vs popularity?

Vice President Sara Duterte, despite facing impeachment complaints in Congress, has already declared her presidential ambitions. Erice acknowledged that if Duterte is impeached, the race could boil down to a battle between the “yellows” and the “reds.” But if she survives, Roxas could be positioned as the opposition’s standard-bearer against her formidable machinery. 

The idea of Roxas returning to the national stage is both familiar and surprising. He represents stability, technocratic competence, and a brand of politics that emphasizes qualifications over populism. Yet his past defeats also raise questions about electability in a landscape dominated by dynasties and personality-driven campaigns.

So come 2028, don’t you think it’s about time we put qualifications and competence ahead of mere charisma and popularity at the ballot box?

(Image: Mar Roxas | Facebook)