Philippines' Marcos says he will endorse 2028 candidate, but hasn't chosen one
By Nestor Corrales and Mikhail Flores
MANILA, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday he will eventually endorse a candidate in the 2028 presidential race, but insisted it is too soon to name anyone, even as his estranged vice president, Sara Duterte, builds an early lead in opinion surveys.
Marcos, who is barred by the constitution from seeking a second term, made his clearest remark yet on succession at a forum with foreign journalists. "I haven't sat down with anyone and said, 'do you want to run for president or not?'" he said. "The time will come. We will certainly provide the best candidate for the betterment of lives of the people. We will choose the best possible candidate."
The endorsement has long been seen as one of the most consequential decisions of Marcos' final years in office. With no re-election option, his ability to shape the next government depends heavily on whom he backs — and whether that candidate can hold together a fractious coalition across the country's powerful political dynasties.
The political backdrop has been turbulent. Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, broke with Marcos after they ran together and won in 2022, with the alliance collapsing early in their term. She announced in February she would seek the presidency. The government's transfer of her father to the International Criminal Court, where he faces murder charges over his deadly anti-drugs campaign, has further deepened the rift.
Duterte now faces an impeachment trial in the Senate, which began July 6, over financial irregularities, alleged unexplained wealth, and threats against Marcos' life. She has denied the accusations. A conviction would ban her from political office for life.
Marcos has sought to keep distance from the proceedings, saying the case rests with the legislature. His comments on Friday suggest he is in no hurry to enter the contest, despite the early jockeying.
Political analysts say a delay could be deliberate: too early an endorsement may expose his choice to attacks, while waiting allows Marcos to gauge Duterte's legal and political fate and consolidate support behind a consensus candidate. It also leaves room for potential contenders to position themselves before the ruling coalition locks in.
No formal candidate from the ruling side has emerged, and Marcos gave no hints on Friday about possible successors. But he reaffirmed his commitment to fielding a standard-bearer, saying the eventual pick would be aimed at improving ordinary Filipinos' lives.