Lawyer and political commentator Jesus Nicardo Madarang Falcis III has issued a pointed analysis of Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statement about her prospective running mate, framing it as an early signal of how the 2028 presidential race could unfold.
Duterte, who has publicly declared her intention to run for president in 2028, recently said: “Yung ni-rerecruit ko na Vice President, siya ang magpapanagot sa mga gumawa ng mali sa bayan.” She has confirmed that she has already approached a potential vice presidential candidate but has not disclosed the individual’s identity.
Her remark comes amid a visible breakdown of the UniTeam alliance that propelled her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to victory in 2022. Tensions between the two camps have intensified in recent months, with Duterte facing impeachment complaints and increasing political scrutiny.
In a written analysis circulated online, Falcis interpreted Duterte’s statement as a sign of aggressive legal maneuvering should she win in 2028.
“Her statement most likely means Rodante Marcoleta as VP and he will be appointed as DOJ Secretary so he can file cases against ALL of the political opponents of the Duterte family,” Falcis said, referring to Rodante Marcoleta.
He characterized the remark as indicative of retaliatory politics rather than neutral accountability.
“Revenge and vindictiveness is on top of mind of Sara. She will eliminate the Marcoses – huhukayin nya si FM Sr. sa Libingan ng mga Bayani and hahabulin nya lahat ng ill-gotten wealth nila,” he said.
Falcis also suggested that critics could be targeted under such an approach.
“But also, she will politically persecute all dissenters and critics like Richard Heydarian, Ronald Llamas, and myself who were listed in the Top 40 List of Rowena Guanzon.”
Interpreting Duterte’s phrase “mali sa bayan,” Falcis added: “When she says mali sa bayan, what she really means there is mali na ginawa laban sa interests ng mga Duterte. And worse, mali laban sa China.”
He further warned of what he described as potential restrictions on criticism related to Beijing and maritime issues, saying there could be “a crackdown on anti-China critics and suppression or censorship of the West Philippine Sea transparency initiative.”
Falcis concluded with a direct appeal to the President: “BBM, you must impeach Sara Duterte and finish off her political career before 2028. Or else, she will be an existential threat to you and your family. You have been warned.”
Duterte has not publicly responded to Falcis’ assertions. Her office has maintained that her 2028 platform centers on governance and accountability, while continuing to withhold the identity of her proposed vice presidential candidate.
Falcis, who has previously been involved in high-profile constitutional litigation and is currently facing a disbarment complaint filed by Senate President Francis Escudero over separate social media posts, remains an outspoken critic of both political dynasties and national leadership factions as early positioning for 2028 accelerates.
