Sara Duterte 2028: Running for President or Running from Impeachment?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a political plot twist that could rival the best telenovelas, former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo has dropped a bombshell—Vice President Sara Duterte is, without a doubt, running for president in 2028.

“Talagang tatakbo na siya,” Panelo declared in an interview on Politika All the Way, leaving no room for speculation. But with an impeachment trial looming over her, the real question is: Will she be running for the highest office, or simply running away?

The Marcos-Duterte Drama: A Feud for the Ages

According to Panelo, the bitter rift between the Dutertes and the Marcos administration wouldn’t have happened if Sara had run for president in 2022. Now, instead of a dream political alliance, we’re witnessing a full-blown power struggle—one that includes accusations of conspiracy, corruption, and even an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte on charges of conspiring to kill the president and misusing government funds. If convicted by the Senate, she will not only be ousted as VP but permanently banned from holding public office. In response, she has taken the fight to the Supreme Court, seeking to invalidate the impeachment proceedings before the Senate trial kicks off in June.

Panelo: ‘Kawawa naman ang Pilipinas’

In the same interview, Panelo acknowledged that the Tulfo brothers are leading the 2028 presidential race, prompting him to exclaim: “Kawawa naman ang Pilipinas!” And just like that, the debate about the country’s future turned into a dark comedy.

He even joked that Congress should be abolished altogether. One might wonder—did he mean that literally, or was it just another case of hallucination? You know, the kind AI is often accused of?

The Great Escape: Will Sara Duterte Make It?

Panelo’s confidence in Duterte’s 2028 bid is unwavering. He even previously suggested that former President Rodrigo Duterte should run as her vice president. Talk about keeping it in the family! But with the impeachment trial inching closer, Sara’s run for Malacañang is now looking more like a desperate dash than a carefully planned campaign.

If the Senate trial doesn’t go her way, her dream of leading the nation will be over before it even begins. But let’s be honest—given the way Philippine politics works, don’t be surprised if she emerges stronger, with her supporters spinning the impeachment as just another political hit job.

Her Running Mate: Mary Grace Piattos?

As the internet jokes about Duterte’s “running” habits, someone suggested her perfect running mate: Mary Grace Piattos. A cheesy match, indeed! But with how unpredictable Philippine politics can be, would it really be that surprising if some obscure candidate with a snack-worthy name actually ended up in the race?

What’s Next?

As the impeachment trial looms, the country is watching closely. Will Sara Duterte successfully dodge disqualification and push forward with her 2028 campaign? Or will she be forced to swap political rallies for legal defenses?

One thing’s for sure—this drama is far from over. Stay tuned, because in Philippine politics, the plot always thickens.

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