MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte revealed that the Philippines’ lagging position compared to Southeast Asian nations and the global community influenced her decision to “seriously consider” running for president in 2028.
Over the weekend, Duterte reiterated a statement she made last month while speaking to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan, who urged her to run for the country’s highest office.
“When I went to Japan and met OFWs who live and work there, they asked me if I would run in 2028 and I said I’m seriously considering running in the 2028 presidential elections,” Duterte told News5.
Expressing concern over the country’s current state, she stressed the need for extensive reforms to elevate the Philippines to a more competitive level.
“We need to be competitive with our neighbors in the region and the rest of the world. We’ve been left out and we don’t want this to continue,” she added.
Duterte’s confirmation of her potential candidacy comes at a time when her trust and satisfaction ratings have been declining, and she faces the threat of impeachment.
While her plans for the presidency remain uncertain, questions have also been raised regarding her involvement in the 2025 midterm elections. Aside from serving as Vice President, Duterte is the founder of Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a regional party that saw significant success in the previous midterm elections.
However, she admitted uncertainty about whether her political endorsements would benefit or harm candidates given the legal and political challenges she currently faces.
“I’m still thinking about how I could participate in the 2025 elections because I’m unsure if my endorsement would help or harm candidates,” she said.
“I need to think about it properly because if my opting out for endorsements would be helpful to candidates, I’d be happy to (not endorse anyone),” she added.
In recent weeks, various mass protests have taken place, with groups either opposing or urging Congress to move forward with Duterte’s impeachment.
While the House of Representatives has received impeachment complaints against her, it has yet to take any action.
President Marcos, meanwhile, has discouraged lawmakers from pursuing the complaints.
