Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is prioritizing the delivery of tangible results over engaging in political discussions ahead of the 2028 elections, Malaca±ang said Thursday. In a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized Marcos's commitment to focus on governance during his six-year term by distancing himself from political distractions.
According to Philippines News Agency, this statement comes after a pre-election preference poll conducted by WR Numero Research from July 29 to August 6 found that Vice President Sara Duterte remains the top choice for president in the 2028 elections. The survey indicated that around 31.4 percent of the 1,418 respondents expressed support for Duterte's possible presidential bid.
Castro stated that it is more beneficial to discuss Marcos's plans for the country rather than dwelling on political matters. She noted, "The elections are still in 2028. We can talk about that later. Let us focus, and the President is focusing, on working for the people."
The Palace Press Officer highlighted that Marcos spends significant time traveling around the country, especially during calamities, and overseas to secure more investments. Castro added that Marcos will become even busier as the country prepares to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.
She pointed out the financial implications of hosting the ASEAN Summit, stating, "It will cost a lot because we will be hosting the ASEAN Summit. So, that is expected. We need to prepare for this. Hosting is not cheap."
Castro also mentioned that Marcos frequently travels locally and internationally to check on security and monitor developments, especially during natural disasters, and to encourage foreign investment in the Philippines.
The Marcos administration, under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), is requesting Congress to appropriate a total of PHP17,495,734,000 for the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings next year. Local and foreign missions, as well as state visits, are allocated a total of PHP1,018,304,000, which is higher than this year's PHP982,649,000 budget, according to the 2026 NEP.
