Sara Duterte has declared her intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming 2028 elections amidst a backdrop of corruption allegations and strained relations with current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Her announcement comes at a critical time when parliament is preparing to address a request for her suspension related to accusations of misusing state budget funds. Furthermore, Duterte is battling multiple corruption charges that could preclude her from running should she face a conviction.

The relationship between Duterte and Marcos Jr. has been notably tense, particularly following last year's controversial decision by the president to allow the extradition of Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to the International Criminal Court, where he faces charges related to crimes against humanity. This situation takes place in a volatile political atmosphere where the two leaders have clashed on several issues, impacting public perception and potential support for Duterte's presidential campaign.

Despite these challenges, voter surveys suggest that Sara Duterte maintains significant public support, placing her in a strong position to vie for the presidency in two years. Additionally, with President Marcos Jr.'s inability to seek a second term, the political landscape is ripe for new contenders, making Duterte's candidacy a noteworthy aspect of the upcoming elections and possibly reshaping Philippines' political narrative in the years to come.