VP Sara Duterte Confirms Running Mate Selection for 2028 Presidential Campaign
In a significant political development, Vice President Sara Duterte has announced she has already recruited a potential running mate for the 2028 presidential elections. During an exclusive interview with SMNI, Duterte revealed she has spoken with an individual about joining her ticket, though the person has not yet made a final decision.
Strategic Political Moves Amid Presidential Ambitions
The Vice President carefully avoided naming the specific individual under consideration, maintaining strategic ambiguity about her future political alliance. This announcement follows her February 18, 2026 declaration that she will seek the presidency in the upcoming national polls.
Duterte expressed profound regret about her previous political decision to campaign alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 elections. She stated that this alliance contributed to creating what she described as a government plagued by corruption, communities struggling with devastating floods, families suffering from hunger, and record-high prices for basic necessities.
Unwavering Commitment to National Service
Despite these criticisms of the current administration, Duterte emphasized her readiness to serve the nation at the highest level. She outlined her vision for renewed national direction, positioning herself as a leader prepared to address what she called the critical challenges currently facing the Philippines.
The Vice President demonstrated remarkable resilience when discussing potential attacks following her presidential announcement. She stated unequivocally that she no longer fears political opposition or criticism that may arise from her candidacy declaration.
Defiant Stance Against Political Pressure
During the interview, Duterte revealed she has never considered resigning despite facing numerous political attacks. "If I give up, it would feel like I'm letting down the people who voted for me, so I won't do that," she explained in Filipino. "That's why, even when I was being criticized, I never really gave up."
She addressed speculation about her potential resignation or impeachment directly: "Some people said I should resign or that I could be impeached. For me, I won't resign. If you have an impeachment complaint, then impeach me, but I really won't leave the position where the people placed me, because they gave me their trust."
This defiant stance underscores Duterte's determination to maintain her current position while simultaneously preparing for her presidential campaign. Her comments reflect a strategic political positioning that acknowledges past alliances while distancing herself from current administration outcomes.
