MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has reiterated that the country’s current state, particularly its lagging position in Southeast Asia and the world, has prompted her to “seriously consider” running for president in 2028.
Speaking over the weekend, Duterte reaffirmed a statement she made last month to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan, who encouraged her to run for the presidency.
“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.
She stressed the urgent need for reforms to make the Philippines more globally competitive.
“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 statement comes amid declining trust and satisfaction ratings, as well as the possibility of impeachment proceedings.
Aside from 2028, speculation has also grown regarding her role in the 2025 midterm elections. As the founder of the regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago, which achieved significant success in previous elections, her endorsements could play a crucial role.
However, she remains uncertain about whether backing candidates would be helpful or harmful, given the political and legal challenges she is facing.
“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 groups have staged protests, either opposing or pushing for Congress to act on her impeachment.
Although impeachment complaints have been filed in the House of Representatives, no action has been taken.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also discouraged lawmakers from pursuing the complaints.
