MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has downplayed the results of a recent opinion poll showing Vice President Sara Duterte leading former Vice President and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo in a hypothetical 2028 presidential matchup, emphasizing that the administration’s priority remains governance rather than election politics.
Speaking during a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is preoccupied with pressing national issues, including preparations for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, the impacts of a severe El Niño phenomenon, and the crisis in the Middle East.
“Marami pa pong dapat na iresolba ang gobyerno para sa ating mga kababayan at hindi nagpo-focus sa survey kung sino ang lumalamang at hindi lumalamang,” Castro said.
“So, hindi pa naman botohan. Makikita naman natin ang pinakaresulta nito sa botohan mismo,” she added.
Castro’s remarks follow the release of an OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa survey, which placed Duterte ahead with 40 percent against Robredo’s 33 percent in a head-to-head 2028 presidential scenario.
While Duterte publicly declared her intent to run for president in February, Robredo—who lost the 2022 presidential race to Marcos—has stated she plans to seek a second term as mayor of Naga City instead of launching another presidential bid.