Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has officially announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest in Southeast Asia’s third-largest nation. Duterte told reporters on Wednesday that she will run for president, offering her “life, strength and future in the service of our nation.
Duterte’s declaration, made more than two years before the scheduled May 8, 2028 election, positions her as one of the frontrunners in a contest that will open up the presidency following the constitutional ban on re-election for the incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who cannot seek another term.
The 47-year-old daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte has been a dominant figure in Philippine politics since winning the vice presidency in 2022 as part of a landslide allied ticket with Marcos, only for their alliance to later unravel amid political rivalry. Independent polls have consistently shown her as a strong contender for the 2028 race.
In announcing her bid, Duterte sharply criticised Marcos’s leadership, saying he had failed to deliver on promises made during their joint campaign, and apologised for previously supporting his presidency. Her speech also touched on public dissatisfaction with issues such as corruption, rising prices and weaknesses in government services.
Duterte’s early declaration comes amid ongoing legal and political challenges, including multiple impeachment complaints filed against her in the House of Representatives earlier this month. Although the Supreme Court previously threw out an impeachment effort due to procedural issues, new complaints could lead to a Senate trial that might affect her eligibility if she were convicted.
Her candidacy adds a dramatic twist to the Philippines’ dynastic politics, as she follows in her father’s footsteps in seeking the country’s highest office. Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained and facing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs during his 2016-2022 presidency.
Duterte’s bid also reflects broader divisions within Philippine political alliances. The once-strong UniTeam coalition that brought her and Marcos to power in 2022 has splintered, and her growing rivalry with the current president is shaping the emerging political landscape as the 2028 polls approach.
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