Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma is open to formally inviting Vice President Sara Duterte into its fold following her declaration that she intends to run for president in 2028, the party’s secretary general said.
Lawyer Clint Aranas disclosed that the political organization is seriously considering recruiting Duterte after she publicly announced her bid for the country’s top post.
“I think right now, there are many parties who want to have her. And surely, we are considering (recruiting her),” Aranas said in a television interview.
Duterte revealed her presidential plans on Wednesday, citing what she described as unfulfilled campaign promises by her former running mate, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
A day after her announcement, Reporma released a statement expressing support for the Vice President, saying she has “demonstrated the resolve to confront difficult issues directly and the humility to acknowledge political realities.”
“We believe (that) she possesses the steadiness and discipline necessary to restore confidence in public institutions,” the party said.
The endorsement comes despite previous tensions between Duterte and Reporma chair and president, former Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez.
In July 2018, Duterte — then mayor of Davao City — allegedly called several members of the House of Representatives in a move to oust Alvarez and install former President and Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as Speaker.
Reporma’s political alignments have shifted in past elections. In 2022, the party initially backed Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson before withdrawing support and endorsing former Vice President, now Naga City Mayor, Leni Robredo.
Despite these changes, Aranas emphasized the party’s friendly ties with the Duterte family.
“Hindi naman malayo. We are friends naman with the family,” he said.
In the same statement endorsing Duterte, Reporma also named Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta as a potential running mate for her in 2028.
“Marcoleta brings independence of judgment, clarity of principle, and legislative experience rooted in constitutional accountability,” the statement read.