Senator Imee Marcos on Wednesday expressed support for Vice President Sara Duterte’s planned presidential run in 2028, describing her as a leader who could provide “direction to a country without a course.”
In a statement following Duterte’s announcement, Marcos said the Vice President represented the “polar opposite” of the administration of her younger brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Itinaga lamang niya sa bato ang hiling at panawagan ng kanyang mga tagasuporta, kinumpirma rin niya ang takot ng kanyang mga kalaban,” Marcos said.
She added that Duterte embodied courage and compassion, qualities inherited from her father, detained former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Siya ang katauhan ng kabaligtaran ng administrasyong ito, siya ang magbibigay ng direksyon sa kawalang patutunguhan ng bansa,” Marcos said.
“Taglay nya ang tapang at malasakit ng kanyang ama habang bitbit ang karanasan sa pagtulong sa maralita, mga nangangailangan at pinagmalupitan,” she added.
Marcos described Duterte as a potential “solution” to the country’s challenges, expressing confidence in her ability to address areas where she claimed the current administration had fallen short.
Earlier on Wednesday, Duterte formally declared her intent to run for president in the 2028 national elections, a development expected to reshape political alliances ahead of the next polls.
She also apologized to the public for her role in helping President Marcos win in the 2022 elections under the UniTeam alliance, citing disappointment in the handling of campaign promises and the President’s sworn duties.