VP Sara Duterte, tatakbo sa pagka-pangulo sa 2028; nangakong itutuloy laban para sa Pilipinas
- Vice President Sara Duterte formally launched her 2028 presidential bid during a press conference on February 18, 2026
- The VP issued a public apology for supporting President Marcos Jr. in 2022, citing a lack of sincerity in his governance
- Duterte vowed to prioritize family welfare, food security, and government accountability under her proposed "Tapang at Malasakit" platform
- The announcement marks the complete collapse of the UniTeam alliance, setting up a major political shift ahead of the next national elections
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Vice President Sara Duterte has officially declared her candidacy for the 2028 presidential race on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking a definitive break from the administration of her former running mate, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Source: Facebook
In a morning press conference, Duterte directly addressed the Filipino people, articulating a vision for the country that she claims has been neglected.
"I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation. Ibalik natin ang tapang at malasakit para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino," she stated.
Her campaign, centered on the slogan "Tapang at Malasakit" (Courage and Compassion), aims to refocus national priorities on the family, religious values, and the daily struggles of citizens.
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The announcement was underscored by a dramatic apology for her role in the 2022 elections.
Duterte expressed deep regret for supporting Marcos Jr., alleging that the President has failed to uphold his campaign promises.
"Sa unang mga buwan ng aming mga termino, nakita ko na ang kawalan ng katapatan ni Bongbong Marcos Jr. sa mga pangakong binitawan noong kampanya pati na sa kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin para sa bayan," she admitted, citing issues ranging from food security to systemic corruption as her primary reasons for the split.
This formal entry into the 2028 contest follows a year of escalating tension. The "UniTeam" alliance, which once seemed invincible, began to crumble when Duterte resigned from the Cabinet as Education Secretary in 2024.
The relationship reached a point of no return amid heated public exchanges and serious allegations involving the President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Despite facing ongoing impeachment threats and political pressure, the Vice President remains a dominant figure in Philippine politics.
Her early declaration sets the stage for a prolonged and high-stakes political season. By positioning herself as an outsider to the current administration's "failed" policies, she seeks to consolidate her base and offer an alternative path for the 18th President of the Philippines.
Sara Duterte, popularly known as Inday Sara, is a distinguished lawyer currently serving as the 15th Vice President of the Philippines. Breaking historical barriers, she is the youngest person and the third woman to ever hold the vice presidency, as well as the third leader from Mindanao to reach the office. Before her recent presidential bid, she led the Department of Education until mid-2024. The daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, she built her executive foundation in Davao City, serving as its first female mayor and vice mayor over a span of fifteen years.
About two months ago,the Vice President challenged the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) ₱500 holiday budget, calling it a "false" representation of the country's economic reality. Speaking from The Hague in December 2025, the VP argued that suggested price guides fail to account for the actual grocery costs faced by ordinary Filipino families. The Vice President noted that ₱500 has not been a viable budget for a family dinner for years, a situation worsened by persistent inflation and rising food costs. To highlight the disparity, Duterte pointed out that her office's own holiday distribution packs cost approximately ₱2,100—over four times the government's suggested amount.
Meanwhile, during her 2025 visit to Naga City, Vice President Sara Duterte deliberately chose not to meet with former VP Leni Robredo to prevent political controversies. Duterte cited the intense backlash from opposition figures following their 2024 encounter as the primary reason for keeping her latest trip strictly personal. The VP explained that her decision to keep her distance was a conscious effort to spare Robredo from being unfairly criticized by political detractors. Despite the lack of a high-profile meeting, Duterte fulfilled her spiritual commitments in Bicol, attending the Marian Procession and visiting the local museum.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
