MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang stated that the Marcos administration is “not shocked” or “frightened” by Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent declaration that she will run for president in 2028.
During a press briefing on February 19, 2026, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro dismissed the announcement, suggesting that the Vice President had already been visibly campaigning during recent trips abroad.
Key Highlights from the Palace Briefing:
- Unfazed Administration: Castro emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains focused on governance and the economy. “Would the President’s work really be affected just because a vice president merely announced that he/she is running for office?” she asked, adding that the President wishes Duterte “good luck.”
- “Team Itim” Tandem: The Palace remained silent regarding the potential Sara Duterte–Imee Marcos tandem for 2028, a pairing recently floated by Senator Robin Padilla and referred to by some as “Team Itim” (Team Black). Castro noted that the President has not yet reacted to this specific development.
- The Declaration: VP Sara Duterte officially announced her candidacy on Wednesday, February 18, stating in Filipino, “I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines.” She framed her decision as a realization that her life was “never meant to be only mine.”
- Political Pressure: The announcement comes amid a fourth impeachment complaint being transmitted to the House of Representatives against her and just days before her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is set to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) on February 23 for a confirmation of charges hearing.
Dissolution of UniTeam
The declaration formalizes the total fracture of the UniTeam alliance that dominated the 2022 elections. While Marcos and Duterte were once partners, the Palace now maintains that the administration’s focus is on resolving long-term issues like flooding and economic upliftment, rather than political jockeying for an election two years away.