Thus replied Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to his bitter opponent Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement of her presidential bid in the next national elections in 2028.
“Good luck, that’s all we can say,” Marcos reportedly quipped after watching Duterte’s televised announcement, Palace Communications officers Claire Castro reported in a briefing on Wednesday.
Castro added that the president did not say anything more and that she could not say if Marcos meant it or was being sarcastic.
As is her wont, however, the presidential spokesperson opined that Duterte must not take all the credit for Marcos’ election as president in 2022, reminding the vice president it was the people who did it.
“Whatever help she gave, she must remember that they helped each other because they were under the UniTeam,” Castro said.
The official said Marcos Jr. was able to watch Duterte’s announcement, including the part where she expressed regret over running with him in the 2022.
Reactions from other political forces were not as succinct, however.
Running away from accountability
Activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) said Duterte’s announcement of her intent to run for president is “a desperate, shameless, and opportunist act.”
It is intended to deflect attention, derail the impeachment complaint against her, and distort the people’s clamor for justice and accountability ahead of the confirmation hearing of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court, BAYAN said.
Political parties under the Makabayan Coalition also said Duterte’s unexpected move is “a cynical and desperate attempt.”
They said Duterte wishes to control the narrative, portray herself as a victim of political persecution, and shield herself from accountability for serious allegations of corruption, misuse of confidential funds, and betrayal of public trust.
“Accountability first. Justice first. The truth first. Then, and only then, can we talk about 2028, Makabayan said.
What Duterte’s timing says
Three impeachment complaints are set to be referred by the House of Representatives (HOR) to its Committee on Justice as Duterte made her announcement on Wednesday.
The development marks the formal start of another round of impeachment proceedings to remove her from office.
Duterte is guilty of corruption for spending hundreds of millions of public funds without proper disbursement and reporting, the complaints said.
Duterte was actually impeached by the HOR in early 2025 but avoided full trial by the Senate on some technicalities.
Flag-bearer of the dynasty
With former president and elected Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte imprisoned by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, The Netherlands, Sara is the highest-ranking government official in the family.
She is seen as the new flag bearer of the political dynasty that also includes two incumbent congressmen, a city mayor and several city councilors.
A former ally of Marcos herself, she has since turned bitter enemy who had been on record to have threatened the president, the First Lady and the then Speaker of the HOR with assassination should something bad befall her.
Before becoming vice president, Sara had been Davao City vice mayor, mayor and representative through decades, often swapping positions with her father and brothers.
Wild reactions
Duterte’s announcement is receiving wild reactions on social media, with many migrant Filipinos approving of her candidacy.
Filipinos who are more loyal to Marcos however said she is delusional to even think she is not out of power and in prison within the year.
Stage actor and political humorist Mae Paner however said all independent political groups in the Philippines must unite to prevent another Duterte and another Marcos in Malacanang Palace after the 2028 elections.
“This is the time to think of a better future for all,” Paner said. #