Former Executive Secretary Atty. Vic Rodriguez said he sees presidential qualities in Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, noting that his leadership reflects readiness for higher office as discussion builds around a possible 2028 presidential run.
Rodriguez made the remarks during an episode of Politika All The Way, where he pointed to Duterte’s current role in Davao as a clear measure of executive capacity.
“You have to remember, he is the mayor of the biggest city in the Philippines, Davao City. That alone, ‘yon lang statement na ‘yon, e. It’s already a testament sa kaniyang kakayahan on how he’s running Davao City,” he said.
He then addressed the question of national ambition and framed it around timing.
“Now, does he have any ambition to seek for the presidency? Malinaw din kay Mayor Baste, e. Gano’n din kay Vice President Inday. Ang presidency is destiny. The more you try,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said ambition alone does not determine the outcome. He said repeated obstacles can signal limits, while a clear path may point in another direction. He added that this reflects how both Vice President Sara Duterte and Baste Duterte view higher office.
The remarks come as speculation grows within political circles. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said Baste Duterte could serve as an alternative candidate for 2028. He raised the possibility after Duterte was designated president of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan.
Rodriguez, who served as executive secretary under President Bongbong Marcos and ran for Senate in 2022, made his statements two months after Vice President Sara Duterte announced her 2028 presidential bid.
