Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte officially declared her intent to run for president in the 2028 elections, positioning herself as a key figure in the country's future. Duterte, embroiled in a contentious relationship with current President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., stated, "I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation" during her announcement. This move follows recent impeachment complaints against her related to allegations of corruption, which she vehemently denies, according to SCMP and BBC.
Duterte's candidacy emerges after a tumultuous fall from grace with Marcos, including her criticism of his governance and failure to deliver on campaign promises made during the 2022 elections. The vice-president remarked on this deterioration, stating, “In the first few months of our terms, I already saw Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s lack of sincerity.” As legal challenges mount, including her father's impending trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), political analysts suggest her announcement aims to consolidate her power amidst uncertainty, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.