Former Ilocos Sur governor and businessman Chavit Singson has declared his support for Vice President Sara Duterte’s planned bid for the presidency in 2028, making him one of the earliest political figures to endorse her potential candidacy.
“Yes, I will support her… I will support Inday Sara,” Singson said in a television interview when asked if he would back Duterte’s presidential run.
Singson acknowledged that announcing a presidential plan this early could expose a candidate to political attacks but argued that Duterte may no longer be vulnerable to such risks.
“Ang advantage ng hindi pag-aannounce (ng maaga), hindi pa siya babanatan. Kung maaga ka magsabi, babanatan ka na, sisiraan ka na,” he explained. “Siya, sinisira na rin lang. So nothing to lose siya. Tama lang na sinabi na niya.”
Duterte revealed her presidential plans on February 18, giving her roughly 28 months to prepare for the 2028 elections. Analysts noted that such an early declaration could subject her to sustained scrutiny and criticism over a long period.
Singson, once considered a close ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., hinted at a shift in their relationship.
When asked if both Marcos and Duterte were still his friends, he replied: “Hindi na yung isa.”
In a 2024 interview, Singson had described supporting Duterte in 2028 as “a problem,” citing his friendship with Marcos at the time.
As for Duterte’s possible running mate, Singson said he has no preference yet: “Wala pa. Wala akong (idea).”