The "UniTeam" Divorce is Final: Sara Duterte Declares 2028 Bid as Marcos Says "Good Luck"
The already fractured alliance between the Philippines’ two most powerful political families has officially disintegrated into open warfare. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Vice President Sara Duterte announced her bid for the presidency in 2028, launching a blistering attack on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s leadership and integrity.
The response from Malacañang was as brief as it was pointed: "Good luck."
1. The Announcement: Duterte Goes on the Offensive
Ending months of speculation, the Vice President held a press conference where she explicitly declared her intention to seek the highest office in the land. Her announcement was framed as an act of "redemption" for what she described as a failed administration.
Allegations of Incompetence: Duterte slammed the President for his alleged failure to curb rising commodity prices and fix an "ineffective" healthcare system.
Corruption Charges: She claimed the 2025 national budget was "tainted with corruption" and accused Marcos of a total "lack of sincerity" regarding his campaign promises.
The "Forgiveness" Pivot: In a surprising tactical move, Duterte asked the public for forgiveness—not for her own controversies, but for her role in helping Marcos win the 2022 elections.
2. Malacañang’s Rebuttal: "The Emotional Vulture"
Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro delivered a stinging counter-briefing, suggesting that the Vice President’s call for forgiveness was directed at the wrong issues.
The "Good Luck" Smile: Castro confirmed the President had heard the announcement. When asked if Marcos was being sarcastic with his "good luck" wish, Castro noted that the President was "smiling," leaving the interpretation to the public.
The "Shortcomings" List: Castro argued that if Duterte wanted to apologize, she should start with her "constant vacations" and "failure to help the government" during her time as DepEd Secretary.
The Drug War Shadow: The Palace also urged the Vice President to apologize for the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) associated with her father’s administration and for her recent "death threats" against the President.
"The President did not expect his Vice President would be a person who would simply spend her time on vacation and attacking the government instead of working for the people," Castro said.
3. The Opposition Factor: Hontiveros Ready to "Slay"
The 2028 landscape isn't just a two-way fight. Senator Risa Hontiveros, the face of the liberal opposition, signaled that her coalition is ready to provide a third alternative.
The United Opposition: Hontiveros stated that the opposition is consolidating to "slay" the Duterte candidacy by offering a reform-oriented platform focused on good governance.
A Call to Free Will: "We have free will, so let us use it," Hontiveros told reporters, urging voters to look beyond the Marcos-Duterte feud.
GME Academy Analysis: "Market Volatility and Sovereign Risk"
At Global Markets Eruditio, we believe this early campaign kickoff signals a high-volatility environment for the Philippines through 2028.
Trader's Takeaway for February 2026:
Political Instability Discount: The open feud between the President and Vice President increases "sovereign risk." We expect the Philippine Peso (PHP) to face pressure as investors weigh the possibility of a paralyzing impeachment battle in Congress.
Fiscal Drag: If Duterte’s allies in the House and Senate begin blocking budget approvals, infrastructure spending could slow, impacting the Industrial and Construction sectors of the PSEi.
The ICC Wild Card: With former President Rodrigo Duterte facing imminent ICC pre-trial hearings, the "Duterte Brand" is under existential threat. Any legal movement against the father will directly correlate with the daughter’s polling numbers.
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