Vice President Sara Duterte jolted the political atmosphere of the country following her resounding announcement on Wednesday of her candidacy for the presidency in the 2028 elections, pledging to dedicate her life, strength, and future to the service of the Filipino people.
“Mga kababayan, ibalik natin ang Tapang at Malasakit – para sa Diyos. Para sa Bayan. At para sa bawat Pamilyang Pilipino. Ako si Sara Duterte, tatakbo bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” Duterte said.
In a long message reflecting on her personal journey, Duterte cited Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
She said it took her 47 years to realize that her life was not only her own and that her responsibilities extended to her family, her country, and all those who called on her.
Duterte recounted her early disillusionment with the current administration, noting her resignation from the cabinet over the 2025 national budget, which she described as “riddled with corruption,” even though she knew this could lead to her impeachment.
“Dahil hindi ko kinayang maging bahagi ng 2025 national budget na tadtad ng katiwalian, pinili kong umalis sa gabinete-kahit na alam ko na, mula pa noong 2023, na ang magiging kapalit nito ay ang aking impeachment,” she said.
Addressing the Filipino people, she apologized for past shortcomings, including helping elect President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the ongoing flooding linked to corruption, abuses of institutions, rising prices of basic goods, lack of food security, inadequate healthcare, poor infrastructure, rising crime, and the absence of a clear, independent foreign policy.
“I cannot kneel before each and every Filipino to beg for forgiveness. Instead, I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation,” Duterte said.
She concluded her announcement with a call to restore courage and compassion for the country:
Duterte made her announcement a day before the Congress will discuss the impeachment complaints filed against her.
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a briefing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reacted by saying “Good luck” to Duterte following her announcement of her intention to run for president in 2028,
