MANILA — Malacañang distanced President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. from early political maneuverings for the 2028 national elections, stressing that discussions on presidential bets or coalition-building have not even surfaced in official meetings as the administration focuses squarely on governance and economic priorities.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President has not discussed endorsing a successor or forming alliances for 2028, even as political speculation intensified following Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s public declaration of her intention to run for president.
“Sa totoo lang kapag nakakasama natin ang Pangulo sa pagme-meeting, hindi po talaga napag-uusapan sa ngayon ang politika patungkol dyan,” Castro said in an interview with GMA-7’s Unang Balita.
Castro emphasized that Marcos remains preoccupied with state matters, including preparations for upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) engagements and consultations with economic managers to strengthen the country’s investment climate and long-term development strategy.
Her statement came amid mounting questions over the administration’s political direction after Duterte-Carpio signaled her 2028 presidential bid, fueling talk of possible alignments and endorsements within the ruling coalition.
Castro drew a sharp distinction between early electoral ambition and governance-driven leadership.
“If you’re a politician, you will think of the next election. But if you are a statesman, you will think of the next generation,” Castro said.
“So, ‘yung mga nag-iisip ngayon ng politika, ang aga-aga, alam mo na ang nasa dibdib, para i-angat ang sarili, i-promoteagad ang sarili. Hindi iniisip na i-promoteang bansa,” she added.
Malacañang maintained that the administration’s efforts remain centered on policy execution, economic planning, and international commitments, underscoring that preparations for the 2028 presidential race are not part of the Palace’s present agenda./PN
