Malacañang on Thursday said Vice President Sara Duterte’s decision to run for president in 2028 will not affect the administration’s work, nor will it intimidate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro brushed aside concerns that Duterte’s announcement could shift the political landscape.
“Hindi maaapektuhan. Maaapektuhan ba ng isang bise presidente na nag-announce lang na siya ay tatakbo ang pagtatrabaho ng Pangulo?” Castro said.
She emphasized that the President remains focused on the administration’s key priorities, including strengthening the economy, improving the lives of Filipinos, and addressing long-standing flooding problems.
“Hindi maaapektuhan ang focus ng Pangulo para maiangat ang ekonomiya ng bansa, maiangat ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino, at masolusyonan ang issue baha na hindi na solusyonan noon pa,” she added.
Castro also downplayed the political implications of Duterte’s declaration, saying the administration is not threatened by her move. She further noted that Duterte’s plan to seek the presidency was not unexpected.
“Hindi naman po kasindak-sindak yung pag-a-announce na siya itatakbo sa pagkapangulo dahil ramdam na ramdam na po even before ang kanyang pangangampanya sa labas,” the Palace official said.