Manila: Sara Duterte has announced a presidential bid for the 2028 elections, setting the stage for an early campaign in the Philippines’ personality-driven political landscape.
The Sara Duterte move has come as political rivalry with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has intensified, following the breakdown of an earlier alliance that secured a landslide victory in the 2022 elections. Lawmakers and political parties have begun positioning for the next national vote, even though the election remains two years away.
Marcos cannot seek re-election under constitutional limits, and no challenger from allied factions has been confirmed. Sara Duterte, aged 47 and leader within the influential Duterte political family, has secured a strong base of support through previous leadership roles and party backing. The political relationship between the Marcos administration and the Duterte family has deteriorated significantly.
Tensions escalated in March 2025 when authorities allowed the International Criminal Court to arrest former president Rodrigo Duterte. The former leader has been detained in The Hague and has been awaiting trial for crimes against humanity linked to the anti-drug campaign.
Subsequent mid-term legislative elections have reflected shifting support across the country. Candidates aligned with the Duterte family have performed strongly against those backed by the Marcos administration.
In addition, members of the Catholic clergy have filed an impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte over alleged corruption, which has been denied. Sara Duterte has long been viewed as the political successor to Rodrigo Duterte and has built a reputation through local leadership roles in Davao City.
Earlier positions have included service as vice-mayor during Rodrigo Duterte’s mayoral tenure and later as mayor while the elder Duterte served as president between 2016 and 2022.
The vice-president has returned to the national spotlight through the 2022 alliance with Marcos, which later unravelled as political priorities diverged. Sara Duterte has emphasised commitment to national service and stability as preparations for the 2028 presidential race have begun across the Philippine political landscape.
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