Philippines VP Sara Duterte Announces 2028 Presidential Run

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte announced her bid for the 2028 presidency, criticizing Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for corruption and broken promises. Daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, she faces impeachment complaints but survived previous attempts. Marcos cannot run again due to term limits, setting up a competitive election.

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte announced on Wednesday that she plans to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections, signaling an early start to the political race in the Southeast Asian nation of 116 million people. In a brief televised address, she stated, "I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines. I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation." Her declaration marked a significant moment in the country’s political landscape as she positioned herself as a key contender for the highest office in the land.
Sara Duterte is the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague on charges of crimes against humanity over a controversial anti-drugs crackdown that occurred during his presidency. The crackdown resulted in the deaths of thousands of citizens, drawing widespread international criticism and scrutiny. Her family legacy in Philippine politics has been both influential and polarizing, with her father’s policies and leadership style continuing to shape public discourse.
In her announcement, Sara Duterte also criticized the current administration under Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., attributing many of the country’s ongoing problems, including issues of corruption, to his leadership. She said that in the first few months of their terms, she observed what she described as a lack of sincerity on Marcos’s part regarding the campaign promises made to the public, as well as his dedication to the responsibilities of his office. By using Marcos’s nickname, she emphasized a personal dimension to her critique, reflecting the strained relationship between the two political figures.
Duterte acknowledged her role in helping Marcos win the 2022 election, when she ran as his vice-presidential running mate and helped him gain support from her family’s substantial political base. She expressed regret over her involvement, signaling a shift in her political stance. Since then, the alliance between Duterte and Marcos has deteriorated into a bitter rift, with both leaders engaging in personal attacks and remaining divided over key policy issues. Analysts have noted that this political tension reflects deeper divisions within the country’s leadership and has significant implications for future elections.
Under Marcos, the Philippines has strengthened defense ties with the United States, the country’s treaty ally, in contrast to the approach taken during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, which was marked by closer relations with China and Russia. These contrasting foreign policy approaches highlight the ideological and strategic differences between the current administration and the political legacy of Sara Duterte’s family. Observers have noted that these differences are likely to become central issues in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
Political analysts have also suggested that the timing of Sara Duterte’s announcement may be strategic, coming as she faces another set of impeachment complaints. These complaints accuse her of betraying public trust, engaging in corrupt practices, and committing other alleged offenses. She successfully survived similar impeachment attempts last year, which underscores the contentious and high-stakes nature of Philippine politics. Under the Philippine Constitution, an impeachment triggers a Senate trial, and a guilty verdict would prevent a candidate from running for political office.
In a related development, two recent impeachment complaints against Marcos were dismissed by the House of Representatives’ justice committee, clearing the way for him to focus on his administration’s agenda. However, the Constitution also stipulates that the presidency is limited to a single six-year term, meaning Marcos is not eligible for reelection in 2028. This provision ensures that the upcoming election will be open, with the field wide for new contenders, and sets the stage for Sara Duterte’s campaign to gain momentum in the years ahead.
Her announcement has already sparked discussions across the political spectrum, with supporters viewing her candidacy as a continuation of her family’s political influence, while critics argue it may deepen divisions and revive debates over governance, accountability, and the legacy of past administrations. As the Philippines approaches the 2028 elections, the political landscape is expected to remain highly competitive and closely watched both domestically and internationally.