(Manila, 21st) Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday downplayed Vice President Duterte's announcement of her intention to run for the presidency in the 2028 election, stating that it is her personal choice.
When asked by the media in Davao City about his view on Duterte’s plan to run for the presidency in 2028, Marcos responded: “It’s nothing; that’s her choice.”
Duterte was previously an ally and running mate of Marcos in the 2022 national election. On Wednesday, she announced that she would run for president and expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of major issues.
Marcos emphasized that he has no intention of discussing political issues at this time, and clarified that his visit to Davao was not to lay the groundwork for the 2028 presidential election, nor was it to court potential candidates, including the current Davao City mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo.
“These are all political topics, and we will not discuss politics,” he said.
He pointed out that the focus of this trip was to address important and urgent issues facing Davao City, Camarines Sur Province, and the entire Bicol region, rather than election strategies.
Marcos also stated that his meeting with Robredo should not be politicized, stressing that the central government has a responsibility to assist local government units in need of help.
As a former governor of Ilocos Norte, Marcos said he deeply sympathizes with the challenges local governments face.
“Whoever needs help, the national government is here to provide assistance.”
He emphasized that central government aid will not be increased or decreased due to political factors; everything depends on actual needs.
In addition, Malacañang Palace on Friday also described Duterte's early announcement of her 2028 presidential candidacy as “irrelevant”, adding that the government is currently focusing on implementing the national prosperity agenda.