Sen. Robin Padilla asserted that Vice President Sara Duterte never showed any intention to pursue the presidency in 2028, pushing back against intensifying speculation about her political moves. Padilla said he never encountered any indication, discussion, or hint that Duterte was preparing for a presidential campaign.
He said his position is grounded in years of personal interaction with the vice president and his long friendship with former President Rody Duterte. As a close campaign ally of the Duterte family, Padilla said it would have been “impossible” for him not to know if Duterte had plans to seek the highest national post.
Padilla recalled internal disagreements within their political circle during the 2022 elections, saying such tension would not have emerged if Duterte had been eyeing the presidency. Several Muslim leaders had urged her to run at the time, and Padilla said her refusal created frustration within their group and influenced his own decision to enter the Senate race.
He said their camp did not expect Duterte to participate in the national contest and believed she would stick to a local post. Padilla said his understanding then was that her decision to run for vice president was shaped by her friendship with Sen. Imee R. Marcos .
Padilla maintained that, based on everything he personally witnessed, Duterte never expressed any plan to run for president. His remarks surface as political discussions widen over potential contenders for the 2028 elections and shifting alliances ahead of the campaign period.
