Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV cautioned on Sunday that Philippine democracy could face serious risks if Vice President Sara Duterte eventually pursues the presidency, saying the public should be “very worried” about such a scenario.
Trillanes argued that another Duterte presidency could mirror or even surpass the controversies of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“We have seen Duterte part 1, Duterte 2.0 under Sara Duterte could be worse because of the temperament of Sara Duterte,” Trillanes said in an interview.
He raised concerns over leadership style and temperament, claiming these could affect governance and decision-making.
The former lawmaker warned that concentrating executive power under a leader with a more volatile disposition could strain institutions and risk abuses of authority.
Vice President Duterte remains the most preferred candidate for president in 2028, but her lead over former Vice President and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has “narrowed” in the first quarter of the year, according to the latest pre-election survey conducted by OCTA Research.