Former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Rowena Guanzon hinted at a potential high-stakes presidential race in 2028, suggesting that Vice President Sara Duterte could face former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez as her strongest rival.
In a Facebook post, Guanzon described Romualdez as a formidable contender who could go “neck to neck” with Duterte in a future presidential contest.
“Sa tingin ko ang pinakamalakas na kandidato na puwedeng makalaban ng neck to neck ni VP Sara ay si Martin Romualdez.”
“Very popular, charismatic, sobrang yaman, ang pogi, mukhang buhay, ang galing mag-speech, pinakamalinis na kandidato, hindi na involved sa kahit anong anomalya.”
Guanzon also highlighted Romualdez’s political strength in Leyte, noting the lack of challengers in his district.
“Sa sobrang lakas niya, walang gustong lumaban sa kanya sa distrito sa Leyte. Kung meron man, jusko, di man lang umaabot sa botohan dahil nadidisqualify.”
Earlier, Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon also identified Romualdez—who is a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—as a strong potential administration-backed candidate for the 2028 elections.
Romualdez, however, had previously denied speculation in June 2024 linking him to a presidential bid.
Meanwhile, Guanzon, who has expressed her intention to run for senator in 2028, has already signaled support for a possible Duterte presidential run.