Sara Duterte Enters 2028 Philippine Presidential Race

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte said on Tuesday she will run for president in the 2028 national elections, confirming long-standing speculation about her political plans and setting up an early contest to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

Duterte made the announcement in Manila, stating that she had decided to seek the country’s top post after consultations with supporters and political allies. She said her campaign would focus on public order, education, and economic stability, without detailing specific policy proposals.

Marcos, who won the 2022 election with Duterte as his running mate, is barred by the constitution from seeking re-election after completing a single six-year term. His term ends in 2028, opening the race to several potential contenders from major political blocs.

• Sara Duterte confirms bid for Philippine presidency in 2028
• Vice president’s entry reshapes early dynamics of 2028 race
• Duterte–Marcos rift sets stage for new political alignments

Duterte’s decision comes amid strained relations between her and the president. Their alliance, which delivered a landslide victory in 2022, has weakened as political differences emerged within the administration. Analysts say the rift has reshaped alliances in Congress and local governments ahead of the next election cycle.

The vice president has remained a prominent figure in opinion polls, often ranking among the most preferred candidates for the presidency. She previously served as mayor of Davao City, where she built a reputation for a strict approach to governance.

Duterte is the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose six-year term ended in 2022. His presidency was marked by an aggressive anti-drug campaign that drew both domestic support and international criticism. He is currently in detention in The Hague over charges linked to that campaign.

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Political analysts say Duterte’s entry is likely to shape the early dynamics of the 2028 race, influence coalition-building, and intensify debate over continuity and change in Philippine leadership as campaigning gains momentum over the next two years.