Malacañang on Duterte presidential bid: ‘Good luck’ but apologize first

Metro Manila, Philippines –  Malacañang wished Vice President Sara Duterte “good luck” after she declared her intention to run for president in 2028, but added that she should first apologize for a series of controversies and allegations raised against her.

During a Palace press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had been informed about Duterte’s announcement and responded with a brief message.

“Good luck,” she said, adding that the president gave the same reaction upon hearing about her planned bid.

Castro said Duterte’s public apology for helping Marcos win the presidency in 2022 should not overshadow what the Palace described as unresolved accountability issues, including allegations tied to her offices.

“If she is talking about corruption, perhaps she should first apologize for the issues involving her offices,” Castro said.

She also pushed back against Duterte’s apology for supporting Marcos during the campaign, stressing that voters – not any single politician – decided the election outcome.

“The Filipino people elected President Marcos. They helped each other as part of the UniTeam, so she should not claim sole credit,” Castro said.

Duterte earlier announced her presidential bid in a statement criticizing the administration, saying she saw early in their term what she described as a lack of sincerity from Marcos and alleging corruption in the 2025 national budget. 

She also issued a public apology: “Patawad kung tinulungan kong mahalal si BBM bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas.”

[Translation: I’m sorry if I helped BBM get elected as president of the Philippines].

Malacañang downplayed the political implications of Duterte’s early declaration, saying the administration remains focused on governance rather than election strategies.

“For now, nothing has been discussed,” Castro said when asked about possible alliances to counter Duterte’s candidacy.

She also dismissed speculation that the Palace feels threatened by Duterte’s potential run, saying voters would ultimately decide.

“It’s up to the people to evaluate candidates,” Castro said, urging the public to be cautious and discerning in choosing future leaders.