Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has officially confirmed her run in the presidential elections scheduled for 2028. The daughter of the country's former leader announced this decision on Wednesday, marking an escalation in the political conflict with incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Although the vote is two years away, this declaration radically changes the dynamics on the Philippine political scene, dominated by the rivalry of influential clans.

Official declaration of candidacy

Vice President Sara Duterte announced her run in the presidential election in 2028, declaring her dedication to serving the Filipino nation.

Conflict with the president

The announcement of candidacy deepens the rift between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., definitively ending their former political alliance.

Shadow of father's trials

Sara Duterte's run occurs in the shadow of the legal troubles of Rodrigo Duterte, who faces the Hague Tribunal for crimes against humanity.

Vice President Sara Duterte officially declared her intention to run for the highest office in the country during a press conference on February 18, 2026. Her decision ends speculation about the political future of the 47-year-old politician, who is currently in a deep dispute with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. During her speech, Duterte emphasized the emotional dimension of her mission, offering the nation her "strength and future". This declaration comes as the vice president faces political pressures, including a failed impeachment attempt, which the Supreme Court dismissed last year. The Philippine political system is based on a six-year, non-renewable presidential term, forcing contenders to build support structures well in advance of the incumbent head of state's term expiration. The political situation of the Duterte clan is complicated not only on the domestic front. The vice president's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is currently awaiting trial before the International Criminal Court (ICC). The charges concern crimes against humanity committed during his bloody anti-drug campaign. Sara Duterte, despite controversies surrounding her own family, still enjoys high support in public opinion polls, positioning her as a favorite in the upcoming race. Experts indicate that her candidacy is an attempt to consolidate the electorate loyal to her father's ideology and to protect the clan's interests from the actions of the judiciary. „It took me 47 years to understand that my life was never meant to belong solely to me.” — Sara Duterte The conflict at the pinnacle of power in Manila reached a critical point after the collapse of the "UniTeam" coalition, which brought the Marcos-Duterte duo to victory in 2022. Currently, both sides are openly competing for influence in parliament and control over key government agencies. The vice president's decision to announce her run in the 2028 elections so early aims to prevent potential defections of her allies to the presidential camp and to define her as the only real alternative to the current administration.

Mentioned People

  • Sara Duterte — Incumbent Vice President of the Philippines, who announced her candidacy for president in 2028.
  • Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — Current President of the Philippines, embroiled in a political conflict with his deputy.
  • Rodrigo Duterte — Former President of the Philippines, father of Sara Duterte, accused of crimes against humanity.