Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been advised to consider running for vice president in the 2028 elections, potentially forming a tandem with his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. This suggestion was revealed by former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo during a press conference in Quezon City on Saturday.
Panelo, who remains in close contact with Duterte, is among those advocating for a Duterte-Duterte team in 2028. He emphasized the strength of such a combination, stating, “Mr. President, ang advice ko sa iyo tumakbo ka munang mayor. Kailangan mo ang Davao… Tumakbo kang mayor, then sa 2028 tumakbo kang vice president ng anak mo.” Panelo believes that a Duterte-Duterte ticket would be formidable, saying, “Pag Duterte-Duterte, sigurado ‘yan, babalik sa inyo lahat ng bumaliktad sa inyo kasi napakalakas ninyo.”
According to Panelo, Duterte did not provide a definitive response to the suggestion but remained open to the idea. “Sabi niya (Duterte), ‘Sige. Ituloy mo ‘yang advocacy mo na Duterte-Duterte. Tingnan natin,'” Panelo recounted, adding that the former president is open to all possibilities but will only respond if there is significant public support. “Open lang siya sa lahat. Hindi mo siya mako-corner. He will never tell you,” Panelo said. “Magre-respond lang siya pag may clamor.”
Rodrigo Duterte completed his term as president in 2022, with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. succeeding him. Marcos ran as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Sara Duterte. However, tensions between the Duterte family and the Marcos administration emerged earlier this year, particularly after discussions about allowing International Criminal Court investigators to enter the Philippines to probe Duterte’s controversial drug war, which resulted in thousands of deaths.
In June, Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as the Secretary of Education under Marcos Jr.’s administration without providing a specific reason for her departure.
Panelo further suggested that the Philippines should consider a revolutionary government led by a Duterte, emphasizing the need for a strong leader to ensure the country’s growth. “Kailangan natin ng isang Duterte. Hindi lang 6 na taon — kahit 15 taon ibigay mo sa kaniya,” Panelo stated. “Kung hindi mo bibigyan ito ng kapangyarihan, wala, slanted ang growth natin kasi ang mga Pilipino pasaway tayo.”
As of now, Duterte remains open to various possibilities, with his future political plans still uncertain.