Political Plot? Sara Duterte Ties ICC, Impeachment to 2028
2 min read
JUNE 26,2025
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has boldly declared herself as the frontrunner in the 2028 presidential elections, suggesting that recent political attacks against her — including the impeachment case and the arrest of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte — are part of a larger scheme to derail her potential candidacy.
“I am the frontrunner in the presidential race in 2028,” Duterte stated in a recent interview with Russian media, the transcript of which was released by the Office of the Vice President on Wednesday evening.
According to Duterte, the moves against her and her father are politically motivated, orchestrated by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom she claims is attempting to cling to power beyond his term.
“It’s all about the intent of President Marcos not to step down. He wants to perpetuate himself or his family in power. That’s clear from how this administration is targeting political opponents,” Duterte added.
VP Sara Duterte: “They Want to Eliminate the Frontrunner”
Duterte also claimed that the current administration feels threatened by her rising popularity — citing recent surveys where she consistently ranks high among potential presidential contenders.
“The survey shows that. And I think they want to eliminate the frontrunner. They believe that weakening my father will weaken me. But they forget — it’s one brand, it’s one family,” she said.
Despite the buzz around her 2028 bid, the Vice President clarified that no final decision has been made.
“I haven’t planned anything yet. Some supporters gave me a deadline — fourth quarter of 2026. That’s when I’ll decide if I’ll run,” Duterte explained.
Political Plot – Marcos-Duterte Rift Deepens Ahead of 2028 Elections
The once-allied tandem from the 2022 elections has since grown cold. House investigations into her use of confidential funds and scrutiny of Duterte Sr.’s drug war have intensified tensions between the two political camps.
Duterte said she holds no personal grudge against Marcos but pointed out serious concerns about his leadership.
“I have no ill feelings about the political persecution. It comes with the job. But I do have problems with his performance and the blatant disregard of our Constitution, especially in allowing the rendition of my father to the ICC. That was an affront to our sovereignty,” she said during a support rally in Melbourne, Australia.
Malacañang has yet to comment on Duterte’s latest remarks. However, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro fired back earlier in the week after Duterte accused Marcos of being a “budol” (scam).
“Scam? With how the President is working and telling us to focus on serving the people — who’s really scamming whom?” Castro retorted.
She added that it would be Duterte’s loss if she regrets aligning with Marcos in 2022.
“If she doesn’t listen or check what’s truly happening in government, she’ll never understand,” Castro said.
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