The early announcement of Vice President Sara Duterte’s candidacy for the 2028 presidential elections is not, motivated by a genuine desire to serve the public, according to House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio.

According to a report by RH Milky Rigonan on Damdaming Bayan, Tinio claimed that the timing of Duterte’s announcement is a political tactic meant to intimidate legislator ahead of the House hearings on the impeachment complaint filed against her and portraying herself as a victim to evade accountability over alleged misuse of confidential funds and breach of public trust.

According to Tinio, Duterte’s early announcement is designed to convince the public that any investigation against her is a political attack by rivals to block her path to the presidency.

“Mas malakas ang panawagan at demand ng taumbayan na mapanagot siya. Sagutin na finally, aano bang nangyari sa 125M, sino ba talaga si Mary Grace Piattos, alam naman natin walang ganun. At talagang nadambog itong 12 million at itong buong confidential funds. Hindi pwedeng palampasin kailangan mapanagot, ‘pag naimpeach ipagtanggal sa pwesto hindi na ‘yan makakatakbo,” Tinio added.

The Makabayan bloc challenged Duterte to address the allegations against her first, stressing that the purpose of impeachment is not to thwart her presidential ambitions.

If proven innocent, then her potential candidacy for 2028 can be discussed.

“Sino ngayon ang namumulitika, 2026 pa lang, inanunsyo na tatakbongsiyang presidente. So, mukhang walang inaatupag itong si VP Sara kundi pamumulitika niya para sa 2028,” he said.

Tinio further noted that the impeachment complaint against Duterte is grounded on substantial evidence, which could once again expose alleged irregularities in her handling of public funds.