Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has officially announced that she will run for president in the country’s 2028 elections, positioning herself early in what is expected to be a highly competitive race shaped by shifting political alliances.
The 47-year-old leader made the declaration while highlighting her commitment to national service, saying she was offering “my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation.”
Her announcement comes amid an escalating political feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., once a key ally with whom she secured a landslide victory in the 2022 elections. The partnership between the two leaders has since fractured as both camps pursued divergent political agendas.
The rivalry intensified in March 2025 when Marcos allowed the International Criminal Court to arrest Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is now detained in The Hague awaiting trial on charges of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign, BBC reports.
Political tensions deepened further following a mid-term legislative election two months later, in which candidates backed by the Duterte family outperformed those supported by Marcos, signaling strong grassroots backing for the Duterte political bloc.
Although the presidential election is still two years away, Philippine politics is widely regarded as personality-driven, with candidates often beginning campaigns years in advance. Marcos is constitutionally barred from seeking another term, and his political allies have yet to nominate a clear successor to challenge Duterte.
Analysts see her early declaration as an effort to consolidate support and maintain political momentum amid ongoing disputes within the ruling coalition.
Sara Duterte is widely viewed as the political heir of her father, whose presidency from 2016 to 2022 reshaped Philippine politics through a hardline anti-crime agenda.
She first built her political career in Davao City, serving as vice-mayor under her father before later becoming mayor herself. The Duterte family established a reputation there for strict law-and-order policies, which supporters credit with improving security and encouraging business growth.
Her national profile rose sharply after a widely televised incident in which she punched a court sheriff during a dispute involving informal settlers — an episode that reinforced her tough political image.
Known for projecting a strong and unconventional public persona, Duterte frequently highlights her disciplined leadership style and close family ties, characteristics that have helped sustain her popularity among supporters.
With the 2028 election still distant, her candidacy signals the beginning of what is likely to be a prolonged and closely watched political contest that could determine whether the Duterte political dynasty returns to the country’s highest office.
