Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Announces Bid for 2028 Presidential Election Amid Political Rift

Manila. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. The decision by the 47-year-old Duterte comes amid an ongoing political conflict with current President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.

In her announcement, Duterte stated that she would run for president, expressing her commitment to dedicating her life, strength, and future to serving the nation. Although the election is still two years away, it is customary in the personality-driven politics of the Philippines for candidates to begin preparations much earlier.

Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. She and President Marcos ran together on the same coalition ticket in the 2022 election and won by a large margin. However, the political distance between the two has grown since then.

The dispute between the two sides intensified in March 2025 when the Marcos administration authorized the International Criminal Court to arrest Rodrigo Duterte. The former president is currently in custody in The Hague facing charges related to crimes against humanity.

Meanwhile, candidates supported by the Duterte family achieved success in the recent midterm elections. However, some Catholic religious leaders have filed an impeachment motion against the Vice President, alleging corruption allegations, which she has denied.