Vice President Sara Duterte Reacts to Tandem Idea

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed surprise at Senator Robin Padilla’s suggestion of a Duterte-Marcos tandem for the 2028 presidential race. She revealed that she first heard about the proposal during Padilla’s speech in Malaysia, where they attended Independence Day celebrations and met with overseas Filipino workers. Duterte described the idea as unexpected and believes Padilla was joking when he mentioned it publicly.

“Una ko nadinig yan kay Senator Robin Padilla at nagulat din ako dahil dun ko nadinig nagtatalumpati siya sa stage sa Malaysia at pagkakaintindi ko dun ay nagbibiro siya,” Duterte recalled. Padilla also said he would serve as campaign manager if the Duterte-Marcos tandem becomes official. However, other groups within the Duterte faction are reportedly considering a Duterte-Padilla pairing instead, given Senator Imee Marcos’s close relationship with President Marcos.

Clarifying the Tandem Suggestion

The Vice President emphasized that Senator Padilla should be the one to explain why he made such remarks. “Pero ang tama na tao mag explain niyan ay si Senator Robin Padilla at kung bakit nya nasabi yun,” she said. Duterte has not formally confirmed or denied any plans to run for president in 2028. Meanwhile, some of her allies have accused the Marcos administration of attempting to undermine her potential candidacy through impeachment moves and other allegations.

Facing Legal Challenges and Protecting Staff

Duterte also addressed recent charges filed against her by the House of Representatives, which include plunder and perjury. Although she remains unfazed by these accusations, she expressed concern for her staff at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). “Kung ako okay lang dahil pulitiko ako, alam ko kung ano ang kailangan ko gawin at gusto ko din sumagot sa loob ng korte. Pero naawa ako dahil sa mga threats, harassment na ito may mga empleyado ng ating opisina na nadadamay, na hindi naman kailangan madamay,” she said.

The Vice President cited statements from President Marcos, who described the complaints and harassment as “glorified disqualification” efforts aimed at the 2028 elections. On Tuesday, the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability recommended filing charges against Duterte and other officials related to alleged misuse of confidential funds in the OVP and DepEd. These include accusations of technical malversation, perjury, bribery, and plunder.

Vice President Sara Duterte Reacts to Tandem Idea