Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte announced on 18 February 2024 that she will run for president in the upcoming 2028 elections, despite facing serious allegations of corruption and impending impeachment attempts.
Political Ambitions Amid Controversy
In a televised address, Duterte expressed her patriotic conviction, stating she offers her “life, strength and future” to serve the nation. This ambitious move comes at a time when she’s embroiled in disputes with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with whom she previously formed a political alliance during the 2022 elections.
Legal Battles on the Horizon
- Duterte has faced a flurry of impeachment complaints related to her management of US$10.3 million in confidential funds.
- Another serious accusation pertains to unexplained wealth, leading to further scrutiny of her bank accounts.
- Impeachment proceedings once aimed at her saw a technicality save her from immediate trial, but new allegations are resurfacing.
Fallout with Marcos
Duterte has publicly accused Marcos of failing to uphold his campaign promises and has asked the public for forgiveness regarding issues such as government corruption and inflation. Her bold claim of being targeted politically has led her to seek the presidency as a challenge to Marcos’s administration.
Repercussions and Reactions
The fallout from her recent remarks has been immediate. A spokesperson for Marcos responded vigorously, suggesting Duterte should apologise for her alleged corrupt conduct instead of casting blame elsewhere. This friction within the Philippine government can create further political instability as Duterte embarks on her presidential campaign.
A Nation Watching Closely
As Duterte’s bid unfolds, opinion polls indicate she is seen as a strong contender for the presidency. However, many await how her legal troubles will impact her political future. Given her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte’s, controversial past involving the war on drugs, the narrative around her campaign promises to be as fiery as her predecessors’.