Sara Duterte Declares 2028 Presidential Run as Rift With Marcos Deepens
Updated (2 articles)
Vice President Announces 2028 Bid Amid Political Turmoil On 18 February 2026, 47‑year‑old Vice President Sara Duterte formally declared she will contest the Philippines’ 2028 presidential election, positioning herself as the heir to her father’s political legacy[1]. She highlighted a “hard‑line” platform echoing Rodrigo Duterte’s policies, while emphasizing continuity in law‑and‑order initiatives[1]. The announcement was made at a rally in Davao City, drawing large crowds of supporters and signaling her intent to become the next head of state[1].
Power Struggle Escalates Between Duterte and Marcos The declaration occurs amid a bitter power struggle with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whose term ends in 2028 and who cannot run again[1]. Tensions rose after Marcos permitted the International Criminal Court to detain former President Rodrigo Duterte in March 2025 on crimes‑against‑humanity charges linked to the drug war[1]. Two months later, a mid‑term legislative election delivered a decisive victory for candidates backed by the Duterte family, underscoring grassroots backing despite Marcos‑aligned opposition[1].
Clergy‑Filed Impeachment Complaint Adds Legal Pressure Approximately a week before the announcement, members of the Catholic clergy lodged an impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte, alleging corruption—a charge she publicly denied[1]. The complaint intensifies scrutiny of her political conduct as she prepares for a national campaign[1]. Sara’s prior experience includes serving as Davao City vice‑mayor and mayor, and she is known for a tough public image, exemplified by a widely reported punch on a sheriff[1].
Timeline
2016–2022 – Rodrigo Duterte serves as President of the Philippines, launching a violent “war on drugs” that later triggers ICC crimes‑against‑humanity charges and underpins his daughter Sara’s hard‑line political brand [2].
Mar 2025 – The International Criminal Court authorizes the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte; he is taken into custody at Manila airport and transferred to The Hague, igniting a bitter power struggle between his family and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr [1][2].
May 2025 – While detained in The Hague, Rodrigo Duterte wins the mayoral election in Davao City, demonstrating continued grassroots support despite his incarceration [2].
May 2025 – A mid‑term legislative election delivers a victory for candidates backed by the Duterte family over those hand‑picked by Marcos, reinforcing the Duterte camp’s parliamentary foothold [1].
Jan 27, 2026 – ICC judges declare Rodrigo Duterte “medically fit” for pre‑trial proceedings, saying they are “satisfied” he can exercise procedural rights and schedule a hearing for 23 February to assess the prosecution’s case [2].
Early Feb 2026 – Members of the Catholic clergy file an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, accusing her of corruption; she publicly denies the allegations [1].
Feb 18, 2026 – Vice President Sara Duterte announces her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, positioning herself as the successor to her father’s legacy while the rift with President Marcos intensifies as he is barred from re‑election and his allies lack a challenger [1].
Feb 23, 2026 (scheduled) – The ICC pre‑trial hearing on Rodrigo Duterte’s case is set to determine whether the prosecution’s evidence warrants moving to trial, a pivotal moment for the former president’s legal battle [2].