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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Amid impeachment talks, VP Sara flies to The Hague, says she's 'doing well'

Amid impeachment talks, VP Sara flies to The Hague, says she's 'doing well'

Duterte shrugs off political tension, calls herself a 'presumptive candidate' for 2028

Published May 5, 2026 05:15 am
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks in The Hague on May 4, 2026, as she faces impeachment developments in the Philippines while visiting her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, amid proceedings before the International Criminal Court. (Screenshot from OVP video)
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks in The Hague on May 4, 2026, as she faces impeachment developments in the Philippines while visiting her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, amid proceedings before the International Criminal Court. (Screenshot from OVP video)
Amid mounting political pressure following the approval of impeachment articles against her, Vice President Sara Duterte said she remains unfazed, declaring she is “very well and okay” while reaffirming her intention to run in the 2028 presidential elections as a “presumptive candidate.”
In an interview in The Hague, Netherlands on May 4, Duterte said her declaration to seek the presidency is already on record but stressed that uncertainties remain regarding the conduct of the elections.
“I’m already a presumptive candidate because I declared my intention to run in the next presidential elections,” Duterte said. “We can only pray that there will be presidential elections in 2028 and that they will be honest, orderly, and peaceful,” she added.
Her remarks came after the House Committee on Justice unanimously approved its report and articles of impeachment against the Vice President on May 4.
Duterte is in the Netherlands as her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces legal proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegations linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
Malacañang announced on May 2 that the Office of the President had approved the Vice President’s revised foreign travel schedule, now set from May 2 to 15.
A Palace official said the travel authority, issued on April 28, covers visits to the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Duterte initially requested clearance to travel from April 23 to May 15, but later sought a revised schedule after changes to her itinerary.
Despite the legal challenges confronting her family, Duterte maintained a composed stance, saying she draws strength from public support.
“I am very well and okay,” Duterte said. “I’ve always been like this, even before I was Vice President, and I don’t see my disposition changing just because of a few problems here and there,” she added.
She also thanked overseas Filipinos who gathered in The Hague to show support for her father, underscoring the continued backing of Duterte loyalists abroad.
Her early declaration positions her as a key contender in what is expected to be a highly contested 2028 presidential race.

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Sara Duterte The Hague visit Sara Duterte impeachment Philippines Duterte ICC case Philippine elections 2028 candidates Rodrigo Duterte ICC trial Sara Duterte
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