By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Malacañang on Friday viewed Vice President Sara Duterte’s early announcement of her 2028 presidential bid as “irrelevant,” as the Marcos administration remains focused on achieving its agenda for prosperity.
Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said unity is more important to improve the Philippine economy, address pressing issues including perennial flooding, and boost employment.
“Bakit irrelevant? Hindi po iyan ang nakikita ng Pangulo sa ngayon dahil hindi po kinakailangang magwatak-watak ang Pilipino (Why is it irrelevant? That is not what the President sees right now because there is no need for Filipinos to be divided),” Castro said.
“Sa mga kababayan naman po natin, lalung-lalo na po ang leaders at public servants, hindi po dapat nagkakampihan sa ngayon (As for our fellow countrymen, especially leaders and public servants, they should not be taking sides right now),” she added.
Duterte, who is facing impeachment cases, on Wednesday announced her intention to run for president in the 2028 national elections, expressing her commitment to prioritizing the Filipinos’ welfare amid ongoing national issues.
Following Duterte’s announcement, several political analysts and lawmakers believed that former vice president and now Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo is the strongest challenger to Duterte in the 2028 presidential race.
Marcos is scheduled to meet with Robredo during his visit to Naga City on Saturday.
Asked to react to Marcos’ possible endorsement of Robredo, Castro said it is “not timely” to make any comment since the President’s priority is the country’s betterment.
“Sa pananaw po ng Pangulo, katulad ng ating sinabi kanina, kung anuman ang dahilan ng Bise Presidente sa kaniyang pag-aanunsiyo, it doesn’t matter at all sa ngayon (In the President’s view, as we said earlier, whatever the Vice President’s reason for his announcement, it doesn’t matter at all right now),” Castro said.
“Hindi po iyan ang focus ng Pangulo. Ang focus ng Pangulo, magtrabaho hindi para mangampanya at i-promote lamang ang sarili para sa susunod na eleksiyon (That is not the President’s focus. The President’s focus is to work, not to campaign and promote himself for the next election).” (PNA)
