Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday downplayed questions surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration that she intends to run for president in 2028, saying the spotlight rightfully belongs to her.
Earlier in the day, Duterte publicly confirmed her plan to seek the presidency in the next national elections — a move seen by many observers as a major political development that could influence alliances years before the polls.
For Remulla, however, the timing and implications were secondary to the moment itself.
“It’s her day. Let’s… Araw niya to eh. Let’s let her have her day,” Remulla said in an interview.
He stressed that the announcement was Duterte’s personal and political milestone, suggesting that critics should allow her to enjoy it rather than question its timing.
When asked whether declaring her candidacy this early was premature, Remulla said that decision ultimately rests with her and, eventually, the electorate.
“She’s the best judge of that. Hindi naman tayo ang pwede maghusga niyan. Tao rin naman sa dulo na maghusga kung maaga o hindi. Pero it’s her day. Let her bask in it. Let her celebrate it,” he said.
According to Remulla, it will be the public — not political insiders — who will determine whether the move came too soon.
The announcement also came ahead of a scheduled impeachment vote against Duterte, prompting speculation about its strategic timing.
Remulla acknowledged that the presidential bid could serve as a counter-narrative to the impeachment effort.
“Well, that will be her biggest argument. Kasi sasabihin niya, kaya lang ako ini-impeach dahil tatakbo ako presidente. then that becomes the argument,” he said.
“So, a good political strategy in my opinion. She’s doing it right. Pero sa politika kasi hindi one plus one. It’s not a linear equation. Marami pang mangyayari dyan. And it’s never perfect. So, it’s two and a half years away. So, matagal pa yan. Hindi pa natin masasabi,” he added.
Remulla suggested that framing the impeachment case as politically motivated could potentially strengthen her position.
Still, he emphasized that Philippine politics remains unpredictable, noting that with more than two years before the elections, much can still change.
Looking ahead to 2028, Remulla also weighed in on the broader political landscape, saying the country could eventually narrow the contest to two dominant camps.
“I see a bipolar country to only two poles. I think the people will rationalize it to a one-on-one fight. I think all players in this game, gusto nila na the bigger tent wins… more of good versus evil, corrupt versus clean,” he said.
When asked about his own political plans, Remulla dismissed speculation and reiterated his focus on governance.
“Let’s talk about work. I prefer to work more than to run,” he said.