18/02/2026
Vice President Sara Duterte formally announced her bid for the presidency in the 2028 national elections, declaring she is ready to seek the country’s highest office.
In her address, Duterte publicly apologized for helping elect President Bongbong Marcos Jr., accusing him of breaking campaign promises and failing to uphold his sworn duty. She said she saw early signs of what she described as a lack of integrity in leadership and chose to leave the Cabinet rather than support the 2025 national budget, which she called riddled with corruption, despite knowing the move could lead to her impeachment.
“Patawad kung tinulungan ko mahalal si BBM bilang pangulo ng ating bansa,” Duterte said. She cited rising prices of basic goods, weak food security, gaps in healthcare, and the alleged abuse of institutions for political interests. She expressed fear for the next generation and for Filipinos who have no second passport and no other country to turn to.
“I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation,” she said. “Mga kababayan, ibalik natin ang tapang at malasakit para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Ako si Sara Duterte, tatakbo bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” she added, formally launching her campaign for 2028.
