Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday viewed Vice President Sara Duterte's early announcement of her 2028 presidential bid as 'irrelevant,' as the Marcos administration remains focused on achieving its agenda for prosperity. Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the importance of unity to improve the Philippine economy, address pressing issues including perennial flooding, and boost employment.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro explained that the President does not see a need for division among Filipinos, stating, "Bakit irrelevant? Hindi po iyan ang nakikita ng Pangulo sa ngayon dahil hindi po kinakailangang magwatak-watak ang Pilipino (Why is it irrelevant? That is not what the President sees right now because there is no need for Filipinos to be divided)." She further urged leaders and public servants not to take sides at this time, reinforcing the administration's focus on national unity over political rivalry.
Duterte, who is facing impeachment cases, announced her intention to run for president in the 2028 national elections on Wednesday. She expressed her commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Filipinos amid ongoing national issues. Her announcement prompted several political analysts and lawmakers to identify former vice president and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo as her strongest challenger in the upcoming presidential race.
In light of Duterte's announcement, President Marcos is set to meet with Robredo during his visit to Naga City on Saturday. When asked about the possibility of Marcos endorsing Robredo, Castro stated it is 'not timely' to comment, as the President's primary concern is the country's betterment. "Sa pananaw po ng Pangulo, katulad ng ating sinabi kanina, kung anuman ang dahilan ng Bise Presidente sa kaniyang pag-aanunsiyo, it doesn't matter at all sa ngayon (In the President's view, as we said earlier, whatever the Vice President's reason for his announcement, it doesn't matter at all right now)," Castro remarked.
She reiterated that the President's focus remains on governance and not on campaigning for the next election. "Hindi po iyan ang focus ng Pangulo. Ang focus ng Pangulo, magtrabaho hindi para mangampanya at i-promote lamang ang sarili para sa susunod na eleksiyon (That is not the President's focus. The President's focus is to work, not to campaign and promote himself for the next election)," Castro concluded.
