Former Albay 3rd District Representative Joey Salceda criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s decision to announce her 2028 presidential run, describing it as poorly timed and “ill-advised” under the current political climate.
Speaking at a media forum on February 21, Salceda noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will remain in office until June 2028, making Duterte’s early declaration strategically unsound.
“Hanggang June 2028 si Marcos pa rin ang Presidente. I once worked with her (Duterte), pero this time around, I think it is hindi OA (overacting) magsabi na it is an ill-advised move. I think it is a misguided gamble,” Salceda said.
His remarks carry weight given his past support for Duterte when she was being floated as a presidential contender in 2022. At the time, he actively promoted her candidacy before she opted to run as Marcos’ vice presidential partner under the “UniTeam” coalition.
Salceda argued that strong presidential campaigns are typically driven by public demand rather than early self-declarations.
“I think I would have wanted that there should be a clamor for her. Let the people proclaim you,” he said.
He maintained that Duterte’s announcement appears premature and unnecessary.
Duterte currently faces at least four impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives, while her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, remains detained at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands.