In a decisive political maneuver, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has formally declared her intention to seek the presidency in the 2028 national elections. The announcement, delivered during a Wednesday morning press briefing in Manila, signals a dramatic escalation in the ongoing power struggle between the nation’s two most prominent political dynasties.
“I offer my life, strength, and future in the service of our nation,” Duterte proclaimed, calling for a restoration of “courage, compassion for God, people and every Filipino family.”
In a striking reversal, the Vice President opened her brief statement with a series of apologies—first for her instrumental role in helping President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attain office, and subsequently for what she characterized as systemic failures under his administration. She expressed particular concern over government corruption, soaring commodity prices, inadequate wages, food insecurity, and deficiencies in the healthcare system.
“I fear for the children and succeeding generations, the homeless, and for poor Filipinos who have no choice but drown in our country,” Duterte added.
The declaration marks the complete collapse of the once-formidable ‘UniTeam’ alliance that brought Duterte and Marcos to power as running mates. Their political partnership endured for approximately one year before deteriorating over policy disagreements, culminating in Duterte’s resignation from her concurrent position as education secretary.
The rivalry has since intensified through financial and legal channels. Marcos allies in Congress have systematically stripped Duterte’s offices of confidential and intelligence funds, citing allegations of questionable expenditures. This financial conflict has spawned multiple impeachment complaints against the Vice President, who faces three active complaints in the current legislative session.
The political drama reached unprecedented levels when Duterte allegedly threatened retaliatory assassination against President Marcos, First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez should she come to harm. Although the Marcos-dominated House successfully impeached Duterte in early 2025, the Senate declined to conduct a trial, allowing her to remain in office.
This presidential announcement sets the stage for a historic confrontation between the Duterte and Marcos political machines, with profound implications for Philippine governance and democratic institutions.