Sara Duterte said she will run for president of the Philippines in 2028, positioning herself early in what is expected to be a high-stakes contest. The vice president made the declaration during a press briefing where she sharply criticised President Ferdinand Marcos, signalling that their political alliance has fully collapsed.
Duterte said she was offering her “life, strength, and future” in service of the nation and formally confirmed her candidacy. The announcement comes amid an ongoing feud between the two leaders, which escalated after she was impeached last year. However, the country’s Supreme Court later dismissed the case on procedural grounds, allowing her to remain in office.
The timing is also significant because it precedes a pre-trial hearing involving her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, at the International Criminal Court over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.
Support base offers advantage
During her remarks, Duterte accused Marcos of corruption and failing to honour campaign promises made during their successful 2022 alliance. She argued that signs of insincerity emerged within months of taking office, reinforcing her decision to chart an independent political path.
Analysts say her strong base in Mindanao could provide a decisive advantage despite mounting tensions. Some observers view the early announcement as risky, yet polling trends reportedly favour her. Nevertheless, experts warn that her father’s legal troubles abroad could dampen enthusiasm among some supporters.
Philippine presidents serve a single six-year term, which bars Marcos from seeking reelection in 2028 and effectively opens the field. Meanwhile, analysts expect relations between Duterte and the administration to deteriorate further. Some suggest renewed impeachment efforts may emerge, especially after recent complaints filed by clergy members.
As the political landscape shifts, Duterte’s declaration signals the start of a prolonged power struggle likely to dominate Philippine politics in the coming years.
