Vice President Sara Duterte said a person she recruited last year as a possible vice presidential candidate for the 2028 national elections has yet to decide whether to run for the position.
Speaking to Davao-based media over the weekend, the vice president said she is giving the individual time to make a decision and declined to reveal the person’s identity for now to avoid unnecessary political attacks.
“As I mentioned, noong episode ng ‘Ibalik ang Tapang at Malasakit’ nabanggit ko doon na mayroon akong nirecruit last year. But hindi pa siya nag-decide kung tatakbo siya for Vice President or hindi. Antayin na lang natin ‘yung decision niya. Huwag na lang natin siya guluhin. Huwag na natin siya pangalanan kasi mag-atakehin siya, mag-sisirain ‘yung pangalan niya. So, pabayaan na din siya mag-desisyon,” she said.
Duterte explained that publicly naming the potential candidate at this stage could expose the person to political criticism and smear campaigns even before a final decision is made.
The vice president earlier announced that she intends to run for president in the 2028 elections, prompting discussions about who might become her potential running mate.
However, she said the individual she approached has not yet confirmed whether he or she will accept the offer to run as vice president.
Duterte stressed that the decision ultimately rests with the person she recruited, adding that she respects the need for careful consideration before entering the national political race.
