DAVAO CITY, Philippines — In a move that has sent ripples through the country’s political landscape, Vice President Sara Duterte has officially confirmed her intent to seek the presidency in the 2028 national elections.
The announcement comes after months of speculation and “hinting” during her various regional visits. Duterte revealed that she has received the “go signal” from her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to pursue the highest office in the land should she decide the time is right. Speaking to supporters and members of the media, the Vice President emphasized that her decision is rooted in a desire to continue her family’s brand of leadership and address the “unfinished business” of national development.
The timing of the declaration is significant, as the Vice President currently navigates a complex political environment in Manila, marked by high-profile legislative inquiries and an ongoing impeachment trial in the Senate. Despite these challenges, Duterte remains a frontrunner in early pre-election surveys, maintaining a strong base of support particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Political analysts suggest that the announcement serves to solidify her “Dutertista” base and provides a clear alternative to the current administration’s platform. Critics, however, have raised concerns over the early start of electioneering, noting that the 2028 polls are still several years away and that the focus should remain on current governance issues.
As the “UniTeam” alliance of 2022 appears increasingly fractured, Duterte’s formal entry into the 2028 conversation sets the stage for a dramatic realignment of political forces. Whether she can translate her current popularity into a successful presidential mandate will be the central narrative of Philippine politics in the coming years.