Journalist and biographer Earl Parreño cautioned that Vice President Sara Duterte’s path to the presidency in 2028 is not “inevitable,” despite her standing as a strong candidate.
In an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel, Parreño explained that many political and economic developments could still unfold before the elections, potentially affecting Duterte’s candidacy.
“Sa ngayon, marami pang mangyayari between now and 2028. Yes, she’s a very strong candidate. Siya ‘yung medyo matagal nang naghanda, psychologically at saka ‘yung machinery-wise nandiyan na. Although nag-weaken ‘yun. Hindi ‘yun ‘yung machinery nu’ng 2022,” Parreño said.
He noted that Duterte’s political machinery has weakened compared to the 2022 elections, making her strong but not unbeatable.
“Sa weakening na ‘yan, strong siya pero hindi siya unbeatable. Kaya siyang matalo depende sa anuman ‘yung magiging political development, at saka economic at political development in between. Two years pa naman e, in between elections,” he added.
Parreño also pointed to past examples of early presidential declarations backfiring, citing former Senator Manny Villar in 2010 and former Vice President Jejomar Binay in 2016, both of whom suffered heavy defeats after being targeted by black propaganda campaigns.
The remarks come as Duterte remains the only major political figure to have formally declared her intention to run for president in 2028.