Marcos Reacts to Duterte's 2028 Presidential Ambition
In a significant political development, Vice President Sara Duterte has announced her intention to run for president in the 2028 elections. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. responded with a concise statement: "That's her choice." This brief reply suggests the president may be deliberately withholding further commentary to avoid escalating political tensions.
Focus on Governance Over Politics
President Marcos emphasized his current disinterest in political discussions, stating he is more focused on addressing local governance challenges. This was particularly evident during his recent visit to Naga City, where he met with Mayor Leni Robredo, the current city mayor. Marcos pointed out that the government should concentrate on solving crises rather than elections that are still two years away.
However, Malacañang's description of Duterte's plan as "irrelevant" could be interpreted as a strategy to diminish the political impact of her declaration. In politics, silence doesn't always indicate neutrality; sometimes it serves as a tactic to prevent giving additional momentum to potential opponents.
Early Declaration: Advantages and Disadvantages
Duterte's early announcement could provide the public with more time to examine her platform and analyze her track record, opening up a longer period for political discourse. Nevertheless, there are clear disadvantages to such premature election preparations. Early campaigning might distract from giving full attention to current governmental responsibilities.
The core issue isn't about who will run in 2028, but rather how to protect the integrity of current governance while preparing the nation for future leadership. Democracy requires open competition, but it also demands a clear separation between public service and preparation for the next election cycle.
