Sen. Robin Padilla said he has never heard nor sensed any intention from Vice President Sara Duterte to run for president in the 2028 national elections. The senator made the statement amid rising speculation about Duterte’s political plans and her potential role in the next presidential race.
Padilla said his position is based on his personal relationship with the vice president and his long-standing friendship with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. As a campaign endorser for the Duterte family, he said it would have been “impossible” for him not to know if the vice president had plans to seek the highest national post.
According to Padilla, their political group would not have experienced internal conflict during the 2022 elections if Duterte had intended to pursue the presidency. He recalled that several Muslim leaders urged Duterte to run for president at the time, and her refusal caused disappointment within their circle. Padilla said the situation affected them deeply and contributed to his own decision to run for office.
The senator added that they were surprised when Duterte eventually entered the national race, as she was initially expected to pursue only a local position. He said his understanding was that Duterte’s decision to run for vice president was influenced by her friendship with Sen. Imee Marcos.
Padilla reiterated that, based on everything he personally witnessed, Duterte never expressed any plan to run for president. His remarks come as political observers and supporters speculate on possible candidates for the 2028 elections.
The senator emphasized that his statements reflect his direct experiences and long association with the Duterte family amid ongoing discussions about future political alignments.
