Senator Robin Padilla expressed support for a possible political tandem between Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos for the 2028 national elections, highlighting what he described as a potential “girl power” leadership for the country.
Padilla shared his personal endorsement on Wednesday following Duterte’s recent announcement that she intends to run for president in the next national polls. The senator said he believes the partnership could resonate with Filipino voters and symbolize strong female leadership at the highest levels of government.
“Panahon na para maramdaman ng mga Pinoy ang girl power,” Padilla said, emphasizing his belief that the Filipino public is ready to embrace a leadership team composed of two prominent women in politics.
Despite his vocal support, Padilla clarified that the idea of a Sara Duterte and Imee Marcos tandem is currently his personal suggestion and does not reflect the official position of his political party or the Senate minority bloc. He stressed that discussions about potential alliances remain speculative and informal at this stage, noting that political dynamics may still evolve as the 2028 elections approach.
Padilla’s remarks come at a time when early political alignments and potential candidates are already beginning to shape public discourse, even though the next presidential election remains several years away. Political observers note that both Duterte and Marcos have strong political bases and come from influential political families, which could make any future partnership highly significant in the country’s electoral landscape.
Meanwhile, Padilla also addressed questions regarding the ongoing case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court. The senator reiterated his stance that legal proceedings involving the former leader should be handled by Philippine courts rather than international institutions.
Padilla maintained that the country’s judicial system is capable of addressing the allegations and emphasized the importance of national sovereignty in legal matters. He has consistently voiced opposition to foreign intervention in cases involving Philippine officials, aligning with his broader advocacy for strengthening local governance and judicial independence.
As political conversations surrounding the 2028 elections begin to gain momentum, Padilla’s endorsement adds another dimension to the evolving political narrative. While it remains uncertain whether Duterte and Marcos will consider forming a tandem, the senator’s comments reflect growing speculation about potential alliances that could influence the country’s future leadership.
For now, both Duterte and Marcos have yet to formally respond to Padilla’s suggestion, leaving political analysts and the public watching closely as the nation’s political landscape continues to develop in the coming years.