President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed Tuesday that members of his administration have begun conversations with individuals who may consider a presidential run in 2028, as early political maneuvering gains momentum.
Speaking at the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum in Makati, Marcos outlined the qualities he believes the country’s next leader should possess. He said the future president must be someone who “understands economics,” is committed to improving the nation, consults specialists, and genuinely cares for the country.
Asked whether the list has been narrowed to a handful of prospects, Marcos responded: “We have some people that we are talking to.”
He did not identify anyone, but noted that elevating someone without political exposure to the presidency presents challenges. “When people are working, you cannot limit yourself to (the) government. But of course, it‘s much harder to bring to a presidential level someone who has not been involved in politics, ever. It happens, but it’s not that easy, especially in the highly political atmosphere that we have here in the Philippines,” the President said.
“It’s not that they don’t like the person; they just don’t know who they are. And to build that up to a presidential level is quite difficult. So you look at people in government and you see who is doing well, who is exceptional. And we have, I’m glad to say, exceptional people in government,” he added.
Despite mounting speculation, Marcos said he is not ready to publicly back any contender. “Not soon. The timing is everything,” the Chief Executive stressed.
His remarks came days after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her intention to seek the presidency in 2028 and revealed that she has already secured a running mate. Malacañang later rejected claims by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque that Marcos was seeking reconciliation with Duterte.
“It’s another lie. They should be thinking of service before politicking. That’s the problem with the Vice President. She believes in the beauty parlor tales of Harry Roque even if he is a source of fake news,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a text message.
“She is really an unusual public servant. She does not provide help and she engages in badmouthing,” she added.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, for his part, dismissed talk of his own possible presidential bid when asked by reporters. “Let’s not go there. You know all of these will take care of itself,” he said at a briefing Tuesday.
