Senator Raffy Tulfo ruled out a presidential bid in 2028, saying he will instead seek reelection in the Senate even if his survey ratings continue to rise.
He said he remains focused on his current mandate as senator and sees no need to pursue a higher office when he believes he can still serve effectively in the chamber.
“Wala po akong balak na tumakbo as president sa 2028,” Tulfo said. Tulfo added he is satisfied with his current work as senator and believes he can still do more in the chamber. He also said high survey ratings would not change his decision, saying, “Maski na umabot pa hanggang langit, eh talagang hindi.”
In a recent Pulse Asia survey, Tulfo and Vice President Sara Duterte both posted 46% voter support when respondents were asked who they would choose if the May 2028 presidential election were held today. The poll, conducted from February 27 to March 2 among 1,200 respondents, showed Tulfo leading in the rest of Luzon, Duterte stronger in Mindanao and the Visayas, and both receiving the same level of support in Metro Manila.
He added that he does not want to immediately move to a higher office after just one term, citing other first-term elected officials who sought higher positions too early and failed. Tulfo said public service is not limited to the presidency, stressing that a senator can also serve the people.
He also confirmed that he plans to run again for senator in 2028, saying voters can expect him to be a reelectionist.
Tulfo said there are many other possible names for 2028, mentioning figures such as Leni Robredo, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, former senator Antonio Trillanes, Vince Dizon, Nicolas Torre and Benjamin Magalong.
Tulfo, however, left open the possibility of supporting a presidential or vice-presidential candidate in 2028, depending on who shares his advocacies. He said Vice President Sara Duterte appears to be the only figure with a clear presidential bid for now, but added that he would still assess the field once other potential candidates lay out their plans.
