Malacañang on Thursday said President Bongbong Marcos is not yet considering his preferred presidential candidate or any potential coalitions for the 2028 elections, a day after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her intention to seek the top post.
According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, political succession is not yet part of the administration’s current agenda.
Castro said that in meetings with the President, conversations have centered on policy and national priorities — not on electoral plans or possible alliances for the next presidential race.
“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 on Unang Balita.
She emphasized that the administration’s attention remains on policy work and preparations for the upcoming ASEAN meetings, alongside consultations with the economic team aimed at strengthening the country’s development outlook.
Castro drew a distinction between early political positioning and governance priorities.
“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,” she said.
Duterte on Wednesday announced her intention to run for president in the 2028 elections, a move that sparked renewed political discussions and questions about the Palace’s stance.
