Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Declares 2028 Presidential Bid Amid Feud with Marcos
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has formally announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections, setting the stage for a fierce political contest in the Southeast Asian nation. The 47-year-old politician made the declaration amid a deepening feud with current President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., whose allies have yet to field a rival contender for the upcoming race.
Dramatic Political Declaration
In a significant political announcement, Duterte stated, "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." This move marks a dramatic turn in Philippine politics as Duterte positions herself as the heir to her father's controversial legacy while simultaneously challenging the current administration.
Collapse of Political Alliance
The political landscape has shifted dramatically since Marcos and Duterte ran together in the 2022 elections, winning by a landslide. Their alliance quickly unraveled, with the rift deepening significantly in March 2025 when Marcos permitted the International Criminal Court to arrest Rodrigo Duterte, Sara's father, over his violent war on drugs. The elder Duterte is now detained at The Hague, awaiting trial for crimes against humanity.
Two months after this development, the mid-term legislative elections delivered a significant blow to Marcos as candidates backed by the Duterte family defeated those endorsed by the president. This electoral setback demonstrated the continued political influence of the Duterte dynasty despite the former president's international legal troubles.
Political Challenges and Controversies
Just over a week ago, members of the Catholic clergy filed an impeachment complaint against Sara Duterte, accusing her of corruption. The vice president has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated maneuvers designed to undermine her presidential ambitions. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political environment.
Sara Duterte's Political Background
Sara Duterte is the eldest daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte and is widely seen as his political heir. Her father once described her as the "alpha" in their family, highlighting her dominant personality and leadership qualities. She first entered politics as vice-mayor of Davao City while her father served as mayor, later becoming mayor herself and gaining national attention after punching a sheriff during a televised confrontation in defense of shanty town residents.
During her father's presidency from 2016 to 2022, Sara served as Davao City mayor and built her reputation as a tough, no-nonsense leader. Like her father, she projects a strong public image, riding large motorcycles and giving her children distinctive nicknames such as Sharky, Stonefish, and Stingray. She also shares matching tattoos with her two brothers, further emphasizing her unconventional political persona.
Personality-Driven Political Contest Ahead
The Philippines' elections are often shaped by personality-driven politics, with contenders typically preparing years in advance for presidential races. With Marcos constitutionally barred from seeking re-election and his allies yet to put forward a challenger to Duterte, the political field appears increasingly open for the vice president's presidential ambitions.
With her formal announcement, Sara Duterte has positioned herself as a central figure in the 2028 presidential race, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly charged and closely watched political contest. The coming years will likely see intensified political maneuvering as both Duterte and Marcos factions prepare for what could be a defining moment in Philippine political history.
