VICE President Sara Duterte expressed surprise over Senator Robin Padilla’s public suggestion of a potential 2028 presidential tandem between her and Senator Imee Marcos, calling the remark unexpected and possibly made in jest.

The idea was introduced by Padilla during an Independence Day event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he accompanied Duterte and Marcos.

“I first heard it during his speech on stage in Malaysia, and my understanding is that he was joking,” Duterte said in a media interview. She emphasized that Padilla is the best person to explain the intent behind his statement.

Padilla reportedly went as far as offering to step back from politics to serve as campaign manager for the proposed Duterte-Marcos ticket. However, Duterte made no confirmation of any political plans for 2028 and reiterated that the comment caught her off guard.

The Vice President also addressed recent political tensions, including remarks from Palace press officer Claire Castro, whom she criticized for alleged bias.

Duterte dismissed the statements as politically motivated, especially amid ongoing efforts by some factions to discredit her ahead of the 2028 elections.

Duterte is currently facing charges of plunder, perjury, and technical malversation related to the alleged misuse of confidential funds in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

While she downplayed the accusations as part of political harassment, she voiced concern for her staff, who she said are unfairly affected by the controversy.

“As a politician, I know how to respond in court. But I feel for our employees who are being dragged into this,” she said in a Philstar report.

Despite the swirling speculations and legal challenges, Duterte has neither confirmed nor denied any intention to run for president in 2028.(Edu Sanico Toledo, PIT Comm Intern)

• Tags
• #Sara Duterte
• #Imee Marcos
• #Robin Padilla
• #Sara-Imee
• #Independence Day
• #Kuala Lumpur Malaysia