Last February, Vice President Sara Duterte officially announced her plans to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections, even as she faced pending impeachment complaints filed by several civil and church groups. On September 28, her intent to vie for the presidential seat was brought up anew amid her ongoing impeachment trial and a separate criminal case.
Vice Presidential Spokesperson Paolo Panelo confirmed that Duterte will proceed with her run despite the continuous “harassment” she is facing. Duterte also said resigning from her post is not an option as the Filipinos entrusted her with the position.
At present, the impeachment court hears the Article II of the Articles of Impeachment case against the vice president, which examines her alleged unexplained wealth, false Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), and continued business interests.
The impeachment court, under Article II, discussed how Duterte’s declared net worth has risen from P7,250,497 in 2007, when she was vice mayor of Davao City, to P88,512,370.22 in 2024, as the second-highest executive official. The prosecution also argued that Duterte’s failure to disclose her cash on hand from 2019 to 2024, the suspicious P6.77 billion bank transactions, as well as her accumulated properties, financial assets, and business interests in her SALN, violated Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Wanted by Filipinos?
A survey conducted by research firm OCTA, meanwhile, showed that the hypothetical tandem of Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Robin Padilla still takes the national lead for the 2028 elections, as voted by 48 percent of the Filipinos. Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Senator Bam Aquino’s tandem follows, with 36 percent. “The hypothetical 2028 tandem of VP Sara Duterte–Sen. Robin Padilla leads nationally by 12 points, with 16 percent still undecided. This is the narrowest gap recorded between the two tandems to date,” OCTA said.
Only Duterte has confirmed her bid among the four officials, while her ally Padilla has vowed to leave politics after his senatorial stint.
What Happens Post-Impeachment Trial?
The impeachment trial, which officially commenced in July, is expected to run until December. According to Senate President Win Gatchalian, the court is expected to reach a final verdict before the end of the year, with the new ruling counting only 20 senators as legally capable of participating in the voting process, thus lowering the threshold to 14 votes for conviction — seven for acquittal — of the vice president.
Should Duterte be convicted, she will be removed from office and permanently barred from holding any future post — including the presidency — as stated in the 1987 Constitution. But as the Duterte bloc continues to amass loyal supporters, uncertainty still looms over how either trial result will affect the 2028 National Elections.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Vice President Sara Duterte announced her 2028 bid in February, and on September 28, her spokesperson Paolo Panelo confirmed she will proceed despite her impeachment trial, ruling out resignation.
OCTA’s recent 2028 survey shows the hypothetical Duterte–Padilla tandem leading nationally with 48 percent over Robredo–Aquino’s 36 percent. The 12-point gap is the narrowest recorded to date, with 16 percent undecided.
Article II covers alleged unexplained wealth, a false SALN, and continued business interests. Prosecutors cite her declared net worth rising from P7.25 million in 2007 to P88.5 million in 2024.
No. Conviction would remove her from office and could bar her permanently from future posts, including the presidency.
The trial began in July and is expected to run until December. Senate President Win Gatchalian says a final verdict should come before year’s end.
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