MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte expressed hope that the Philippines will hold presidential elections in 2028, emphasizing her desire for a process that is honest, orderly, and peaceful.
Speaking in an interview in The Hague on Monday, Duterte said she now considers herself a “presumptive candidate” after publicly announcing her intention to run in the next presidential race.
“I’m already a presumptive candidate because I declared my intention to run for the next presidential elections,” Duterte said.
“We can only pray that there will be a presidential election in 2028 and it will be honest, orderly, and peaceful,” she added.
CANDIDACY ALREADY DECLARED
Duterte reiterated her readiness to seek the presidency when asked about her plans, noting that she had already made her intentions clear earlier this year.
In February, the Vice President formally announced her plan to run in the 2028 national elections, positioning herself early as a leading contender.
BACKGROUND
The next Philippine presidential election is scheduled for 2028, following the country’s single six-year presidential term limit under the Constitution.
Early declarations of candidacy, while unofficial, are often used by potential contenders to build political momentum and public support years ahead of the الانتخابات.
Duterte’s statement comes amid a politically charged environment, with ongoing national debates and shifting alliances expected to shape the landscape leading up to 2028.