MANILA — Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday formally declared her intention to run for president, launching what could be one of the most consequential and polarizing campaigns in the country’s next national elections amid mounting impeachment complaints and deepening political tensions.
“Ako si Sara Duterte, tatakbo bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” the Vice President announced at the start of a press conference, confirming long-running speculation about her presidential ambitions.
Duterte-Carpio said her decision was fueled by anxiety over the country’s direction and the future of younger Filipinos.
“May takot ako para sa ating mga anak. May takot ako para sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” the Vice President said while reading a prepared speech.
She stressed that her candidacy was not an appeal for public sympathy but a pledge of leadership and personal commitment.
“I cannot kneel before each and every Filipino to beg for forgiveness. Instead, I offer my life, my strength, and my future in the service of our nation,” she said.
Her declaration comes as multiple impeachment complaints remain pending in the House of Representatives, alleging betrayal of public trust and the misuse of confidential funds. The House Secretary General has transmitted the complaints to the Office of the Speaker for further action.
Duterte-Carpio has repeatedly dismissed the complaints as politically driven.
“Matagal na akong inaatake gamit ang buong makinarya ng kapangyarihan,” she said.
Malacañang gave a brief reaction to the announcement. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., through Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, was quoted as saying: “Good luck.”
The Vice President’s entry into the presidential race signals a potential realignment of national politics, particularly amid visible strains within the country’s top leadership and ongoing scrutiny of her office./PN
