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Duterte enters 2028 presidential race
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has formally declared her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, escalating a long-running power struggle with incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Public declaration and political context
In a statement released Wednesday, the 47-year-old vice-president said: "I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation. I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines."
The announcement comes as the Philippines' political landscape remains deeply divided, with elections historically dominated by personal alliances rather than party platforms.
Feud with Marcos deepens
Duterte and Marcos were allies during the 2022 election, securing a landslide victory under a shared ticket. However, their partnership collapsed as both pursued competing political agendas.
The rift reached a breaking point in March 2025 when Marcos permitted the International Criminal Court (ICC) to arrest Sara's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. The elder Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, awaiting trial for crimes against humanity related to his administration's anti-drug campaign.
Political momentum and challenges
In May 2025, mid-term legislative elections dealt a blow to Marcos, with candidates backed by the Duterte family outperforming those endorsed by the president. Analysts viewed the results as a measure of declining support for Marcos' administration.
Just over a week before her announcement, members of the Catholic clergy filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte, alleging corruption. She has denied the accusations.
Duterte's political legacy and image
As the eldest daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, Sara is widely seen as his political successor. Her father once described her as the "alpha" of the family, a leader others follow.
Duterte's political career began in Davao City, where she served as vice-mayor under her father in the 2010s. The city became known for its hardline stance on crime, a reputation she later leveraged on the national stage.
A defining moment in her public persona came when she punched a sheriff on live television while defending shanty town residents. She later served as Davao's mayor during her father's presidency (2016-2022).
Like her father, Duterte cultivates a tough image. She is known for riding large motorcycles, giving her children marine-themed nicknames like Sharky and Stingray, and sharing tattoos with her brothers.
What's next
With the 2028 election still two years away, Marcos' allies have yet to announce a preferred candidate to challenge Duterte. The vice-president's early declaration signals a prolonged campaign ahead.
