Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said her camp has not finalized any Senate slate for the 2028 elections, citing the tense political climate as a barrier to openly coordinating with potential allies.
“Wala pa akong senators… may mga nagpahayag na interesado sila na magsama kami kung sakali ako ay tumakbo at sila din ay tatakbo. Pero kung sasabihin mo na meron na talagang listahan at meron na talagang usapan, walang ganoon para sa senators’ list sa elections sa 2028,” Duterte told reporters during an ambush interview at the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration in Davao City.
She declined to name possible candidates, saying those linked to her have faced harassment and threats.
“Hindi ko sila papangalanan kasi… matindi at mainit ang politika ngayon… lahat ng lumalapit, dumidikit, kaibigan ko, ay hina-harass, tine-threaten, fina-file-an ng kaso, ina-atake,” she explained.
On the matter of a running mate, Duterte said no decision has been made.
“Depende kung ready… sa ngayon wala pa naman akong Vice President na candidate na kasama. Kung meron na at ready na siya, saka siya magpapahayag na tatakbo bilang Vice President,” she added.
Her remarks came as she attended the 84th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan.