Sara Duterte Announces 2028 Presidential Bid
Vice President Sara Duterte has formally declared her intention to run for president in the 2028 national elections.
“Ako si Sara Duterte tatakbo bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas,” the Vice President announced during a press conference on Thursday.
Prior to the briefing, Duterte ordered the removal of the Office of the Vice President logo from the podium, signaling that the announcement was made in a personal capacity.
In her speech, she apologized to the public for her previous political decisions.
“Mga kababayan, humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa inyong lahat. Patawad kung tinulungan kong mahalal si BBM bilang Pangulo ng ating bansa,” aniya.
Duterte said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had failed to fulfill campaign promises and uphold his sworn duties. She also revealed that she stepped down from her Cabinet post after refusing to support what she described as a corruption-ridden 2025 national budget.
“Dahil hindi ko kinayang maging bahagi ng 2025 national budget na tadtad ng katiwalian, pinili kong umalis sa Gabinete,” aniya pa.
The Vice President cited ongoing issues such as flooding, rising prices of basic goods, food insecurity, weak healthcare systems, infrastructure problems, increasing crime rates, and the spread of illegal drugs and terrorism as among the administration’s alleged shortcomings.
She also criticized what she called politically motivated actions taken against her.
“Matagal na akong inaatake gamit ang buong makinarya ng kapangyarihan.”
Duterte emphasized that her decision to seek the presidency was an offer of service rather than a plea for sympathy.
“I cannot kneel before each and every Filipino to beg for forgiveness. Instead, I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation,” aniya.
After delivering her five-page statement, Duterte declined to take questions from members of the media.
