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Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte announced Wednesday her intention to run for president in the 2028 elections, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle amid ongoing legal challenges that could potentially derail her ambitions.
In a televised speech, Duterte launched a scathing critique of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former running mate, accusing him of corruption, misrule, and failing to fulfill campaign promises. The declaration marks a dramatic escalation in the deteriorating relationship between the two political figures who once formed a powerful alliance that swept them to victory in the 2022 elections.
“Politicians often avoid announcing their plans early so they wouldn’t be the target of attacks,” Duterte said during her address. “But this administration has long destroyed my name.” After making her presidential intentions clear, she abruptly ended the news conference without taking questions from journalists.
The announcement comes amid a web of legal troubles facing Duterte. She recently survived an impeachment attempt on a technicality when the Supreme Court ruled that the House of Representatives had violated constitutional protocol by processing more than one impeachment case against her in a single year.
Fresh impeachment complaints filed this month accuse the vice president of illegally using and mishandling approximately $10.3 million in confidential funds from her office and from her previous role as education secretary in the Marcos administration. Additional allegations include unexplained wealth in personal bank accounts, which anti-graft prosecutors are currently investigating.
Further complicating her political future, Duterte faces scrutiny over comments made during a 2024 online news conference where she allegedly threatened to have President Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker killed if she herself were assassinated – a statement cited in one of the impeachment complaints.
The Marcos administration responded swiftly to Duterte’s announcement. Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro suggested the vice president should apologize to the public for her own alleged irregularities and corruption instead of “focusing on destroying reputations of other people instead of doing her work and helping the government.” Castro also cautioned voters to be “cautious and analytical,” suggesting that Duterte might be a “Manchurian candidate” – an apparent reference to concerns about her foreign policy positions.
The political feud extends beyond Duterte and Marcos to include her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Sara Duterte and her family have publicly blamed Marcos for the detention of the elder Duterte, who faces potential trial for crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court over his controversial and deadly anti-drug campaign. The ICC ordered his arrest and detention in the Netherlands last year.
During her time in office, Sara Duterte has drawn criticism for not publicly condemning China’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. This position stands in stark contrast to the Marcos administration, which has strengthened defense and military ties with the United States to counter Beijing’s territorial assertions in the region.
The political dynamics reflect the continuing influence of the Duterte family in Philippine politics, despite Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial presidency from 2016 to 2022, during which he aligned closely with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Duterte’s lawyer, Michael Poa, maintains that the vice president is prepared to face the allegations against her and is confident “that a fair and impartial review will demonstrate that the accusations are devoid of both factual and legal basis.”
As the 2028 presidential election approaches, Duterte’s early announcement sets the stage for a prolonged and potentially contentious campaign period in a nation where political alliances are famously fluid and family dynasties continue to dominate the political landscape.
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8 Comments
Interesting development in Philippine politics. It will be worth watching how Duterte’s impeachment battles play out and whether she can overcome them to mount a successful presidential run in 2028.
The ongoing tensions between Duterte and Marcos Jr. add an extra layer of drama to the political landscape. I wonder how this will impact the stability and governance of the Philippines in the coming years.
Duterte’s decision to run for president in 2028 is a bold move, but she’ll need to address the impeachment threats and repair her relationship with Marcos Jr. to have a realistic chance of success.
The mining and energy sectors will be particularly interested in Duterte’s policy platform, as her approach to these industries could have far-reaching consequences for the Philippine economy.
The mining and energy sectors in the Philippines will be closely watching Duterte’s political fortunes. Her policies towards these industries could have significant implications for investors and businesses.
Given the ongoing legal troubles, Duterte’s path to the presidency in 2028 is far from guaranteed. Investors in Philippine mining and energy will want to closely monitor the political developments.
Duterte’s bold move to announce her 2028 presidential ambitions this early is a risky strategy. She’ll need to navigate the legal challenges and political rivalries skillfully to have a chance at the top job.
The article highlights the complex dynamics at play, with Duterte criticizing Marcos Jr.’s leadership. It will be fascinating to see how this power struggle unfolds in the Philippines.