Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement that she intends to run in the 2028 national elections has begun drawing early expressions of interest from individuals who want to be part of her slate.
Duterte said four individuals have approached her to convey their interest in joining her lineup for the next national polls. She did not identify the other personalities who expressed their intention to be included.
The vice president also did not confirm whether any of the individuals who reached out would ultimately be part of a future slate. She noted that discussions about potential candidates remain preliminary and that no official lineup has been finalized.
Duterte earlier said she plans to seek the presidency in the 2028 elections but has yet to disclose possible allies who may run alongside her. While the elections remain several years away, early political positioning has begun to surface as some figures signal interest in aligning with a potential national ticket linked to her.
Among those who have publicly expressed interest is PGMN Anchor Atty. Rowena Guanzon, a veteran public servant widely known for her strong stance on governance, accountability, and the rule of law. Guanzon has confirmed that she intends to run for senator in the 2028 national elections while declaring support for Duterte’s presidential bid.
Guanzon made the announcement during an event in Cebu, where she told supporters she plans to seek a seat in the Senate and align her campaign with Duterte’s candidacy. A former commissioner of both the Commission on Elections and the Commission on Audit, she built a reputation in government for her firm positions on electoral integrity and public accountability.
She said her Senate campaign would also highlight the need to strengthen Visayan representation in national policymaking. Guanzon noted that Cebu has not had a senator for more than a decade and said part of her goal is to help restore a stronger Visayan voice in the chamber.
Originally from Negros Occidental with family roots in Iloilo, Guanzon said she speaks fluent Cebuano and intends to advocate for regional representation in national governance.
Her declaration places her among the earliest figures to signal a Senate run for 2028 while expressing support for Duterte’s presidential campaign, as early political alignments begin to form ahead of the next national elections.
