President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is not expected to endorse a candidate for the 2028 presidential elections in the near future, although conversations with possible administration bets are already underway.
“Not soon. Timing is everything,” Marcos said on February 24 when asked about endorsing a candidate.
The President shared that he has spoken with several officials and personalities being considered, but some have declined the prospect.
“We have some people that we are talking to and in mind, and many of them actually, some of them said ‘no, I don’t want’,” he said during a fireside chat at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum.
Marcos suggested that potential contenders could emerge from within the current administration, noting the presence of capable public servants.
“So, you look at people in government, and you see who is doing well, who is exceptional. And I’m glad to say, we have exceptional people in government,” he added.
When asked what qualities voters should look for in 2028, the President stressed that the next leader must focus on national progress rather than political ambition.
“Someone who does not think about politics, but about how to make the Philippines better,” he said.