* Apologizes to the nation for endorsing BBM as presidentBy Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has declared her decision to run for President in the 2028 national elections and there is no turning back back.
The vice president said she is prepared to seek the country’s highest office amid what she described as deepening national challenges and complex problems that beset the country.
In a press conference , Duterte apologized for supporting the 2022 presidential bid of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Patawad kung tinulungan kong mahalal si BBM bilang pangulo ng ating bansa,” Duterte said, admitting regret on her role in Marcos election victory.
It can be recalled that in 2016 when Marcos Jr. ran for Vice President against Leni Robredo he only garnered 14,155,344 votes. He lost. In 2022, under the banner of a “Unity Ticket” where he and erstwhile Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte ran for President and Vice President respectively Marcos garnered 31,629,783 thrashing Robredo in that race.
Duterte accused Marcos of failing to fulfill campaign promises and to uphold his sworn duties as president.
According to the Vice President, she observed early indications of what she described as a lack of integrity in leadership.
She said she opted to leave her Cabinet post rather than endorse a proposed 2025 national budget, which she described was tainted by corruption.
Duterte acknowledged that her decision carried political risks, including the possibility of impeachment.
VP Sara cited rising prices of basic commodities, unstable food security, deficiencies in healthcare services, and what she characterized as the misuse of government institutions for political and personal interests.
Duterte also expressed concern for the country’s future, particularly for Filipinos who, she said, have no alternative homeland to seek refuge in.
She vowed to the public that she will offer her life, strength, and future in the service of the nation.
“Mga kababayan, ibalik natin ang tapang at malasakit para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” she said.
The vice president added: “Ako si Sara Duterte, tatakbo bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas.”
Her announcement signals a potential realignment in national politics ahead of the 2028 race, following the once-united UniTeam alliance that brought Duterte and Marcos to power in 2022.
The Commission on Elections is expected to release the formal calendar for the 2028 polls closer to the filing period for certificates of candidacy.
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