Sara Duterte Declares Run for Philippine Presidency 2028

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has officially announced on Wednesday that she will run for president in the 2028 elections. She said that she will offer her “life, strength, and future” in service of the nation. Independent surveys have already ranked her as a formidable contender, which signaled a high-stakes race ahead. Under the Philippine constitution, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is barred from seeking re-election and has opened the path for new leadership.

Duterte is the eldest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at The Hague. He has been charged in a murder case linked to his controversial war on drugs. The vice president’s candidacy also comes amid a pronounced political rift with Marcos, who was her former running mate in the 2022 elections. While their alliance initially secured a landslide victory, the partnership later deteriorated as both pursued separate political agendas.

Sara Duterte Rises as Dominant Figure in Post-Alliance Politics

The feud escalated sharply in March 2025 when Marcos allowed the International Criminal Court to detain Sara Duterte’s father. This sparked nationwide attention. Subsequently, the mid-term legislative elections saw candidates endorsed by the Duterte family triumph over those backed by Marcos. It highlights her political influence. Despite recent attempts by Catholic clergy to impeach her over alleged corruption, she has denied every claim, and her political base remains resilient.

Sara Duterte has long been viewed as her father’s political heir. Described by Rodrigo Duterte as the “alpha” of the family, she has held significant leadership roles in Davao City. It includes the vice-mayor under her father and the mayor during his presidency. Her reputation for toughness was cemented early. Notably, she defended shanty-town residents by physically confronting a Davao sheriff, an act that was widely covered by national media.

Public Image of Sara Duterte and her Leadership Style

Like her father, Duterte projects a bold and assertive persona. She is known for riding large motorcycles. She gave her children nicknames such as Sharky, Stonefish, and Stingray, and shared matching tattoos with her two brothers. Her tenure in Davao City demonstrated her approach to governance. She is a blend of strict law enforcement and attention to local economic growth, which helped build a loyal following.

“I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines”, she stated, and marked her entry into the 2028 contest. Marcos is unable to seek re-election, and no prominent challengers have yet emerged from his allies. As a result, the vice president is positioned as a central figure in the upcoming election. As political preparations intensify over the next two years, Duterte’s campaign will likely dominate discussions around leadership, governance, and the Duterte family legacy in Philippine politics.

Web Resources on Sara Duterte’s Declaration for 2028 Election

1. Reuters.com: Philippine Vice President Duterte to run for president in 2028 elections
2. Bloomberg.com: Philippine VP Duterte Declares Plan to Run for President in 2028
3. Scmp.com: Philippines’ Sara Duterte throws hat in the ring for 2028 presidential run
4. France24.com: Philippines VP Sara Duterte announces 2028 presidential run