Vice President Sara Duterte clarified that while she has declared her intention to run in the 2028 presidential elections, preparations for her candidacy are not yet among her priorities.
Speaking to reporters during the 89th Araw ng Dabaw on Saturday, March 28, Duterte stressed that her focus remains on her current responsibilities rather than politics.
“Sa ngayon, hindi ko muna iniisip. Although nag-declare na ako ng aking kandidatura. I am a presumptive candidate for the 2028 presidential elections. Pero hindi ko pa yun pinagpaplanuhan sa ngayon. Tulad ng impeachment, hindi yan ang prioridad at iniisip ko ngayon,” the Vice President said.
She underscored that her main priority is to fulfill her duties as the country’s second-highest official, along with delivering public service through her office.
“Dahil napakarami sa ating mga kababayan ang nananawagan pa rin ng totoong pagmamahal at serbisyo galing sa ating pamahalaan. Kami sa Tanggapan Ng Pangalawang Pangulo, yun ‘yung prioridad namin ngayon. Kahit maliit ‘yung opisina namin, lahat kami nagtutulong-tulong, nag-iisip paano makatulong sa taong bayan,” Duterte added.
Support for Duterte’s potential presidential bid has begun to emerge from several political figures, including Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga and former Commission on Elections commissioner Rowena Guanzon, who has also expressed plans to run for senator in 2028.