Former campaigner Joey Salceda described Vice President Sara Duterte's announcement of her 2028 presidential bid as a major misstep that leaves a bad taste in politics. He argued that the timing is wrong and driven by flawed political instincts. Meanwhile, Rep. Benny Abante suggested it could benefit her rivals by increasing scrutiny amid impeachment complaints.
At a Saturday media forum in Manila, Joey Salceda, former Albay governor and Duterte's 2022 campaign supporter, criticized the vice president's early declaration of her 2028 presidential intentions. "Marcos is the President until June 2028. I once worked with her (Duterte), but this time around, I think it is not OA (overacting) to say it is an ill-advised move. I think it is a misguided gamble," Salceda stated. He emphasized that successful presidential bids typically stem from genuine public demand rather than premature positioning.
Salceda acknowledged promoting Duterte for the presidency in 2022, but now views her move as unnecessary. The announcement came amid multiple impeachment complaints filed against her in the House of Representatives, totaling four.
Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante, an endorser of the complaints and chairman of the House committee on human rights, called the early bid a "blessing in disguise" for her potential 2028 rivals. "She announced too early. That would put her in a place in which she will be exposed more. There are many questions that will be asked from her, particularly the impeachment complaint," Abante said.
The complaints focus on Duterte's alleged unexplained wealth. "My only request to our Vice President is, if she is not hiding anything, if what she did is really aboveboard, then she should say it," Abante added, urging transparency and accountability. While he believes she would win if elections were held today, more than two years remain until 2028, leaving room for political shifts.
