MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has firmly ruled out stepping down from her post and reaffirmed her commitment to join the upcoming 2028 national elections despite mounting controversies and ongoing impeachment proceedings.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, October 13, on the sidelines of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at The Manila Hotel, Duterte gave an absolute rejection when asked if she would vacate her position.
“No, no, no. I will not resign. I will never resign from the Office of the Vice President,” she stated.
She also confirmed her resolve to push through with her future political plans for 2028 despite the political pressures surrounding her camp.
Regarding the looming impeachment trial, Duterte views the proceedings as a constructive platform rather than a setback, noting it offers a transparent avenue for the public to evaluate her character.
“Kaya nga, in one way, nakikita ko as a blessing yung impeachment trial dahil diyan ay makikilatis at ma-scrutinize na ng mga tao yung mga katanungan nila sa pagkatao ko,” she explained.
Duterte also extended her gratitude to the PCCI for consistently inviting her to their annual events since 2022, alongside ordinary citizens who continue to show unwavering support amid relentless criticism and public scrutiny.
“At nagpapasalamat ako sa Philippine Chamber dahil simula 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, hanggang ngayon ay iniimbita pa rin nila ako at nakikinig pa rin sila,” she remarked.
“Nagpapasalamat ako dahil kahit na araw-araw kung may binabanatan, sinisira ang pangalan at kung ano-anong akusasyon ang tinatapon sa amin ay nandiyan pa rin ang paniniwala, pagtitiwala at suporta ng taong bayan,” she added.
Looking ahead to the 2028 polls, the Vice President cautioned that political smear campaigns and allegations of electoral manipulation are bound to continue.
Drawing from lessons shared by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, during her 2007 Davao City vice mayoral run, she noted that political opponents frequently utilize black propaganda to tarnish rivals and artificially elevate their own public standing.
“Yes, opo. Oo. Kung matutuloy man ang 2028 national elections, expect niyo na yung dayaan diyan at expect niyo na tutuloy-tuloy yung tawag nila ng black propaganda,” she warned.
“Yun yung black propaganda. So, kami, nage-expect kami, kami naghahanda kami at patuloy yung pagpapasalamat namin sa suporta ng taong bayan,” she concluded.