MANILA – Malacañang cautioned the public to be vigilant against so-called “Manchurian candidates” following Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement that she will run for president in 2028.

Manchurian candidate refers to a dummy contender allegedly controlled by a foreign state.

In a report, Duterte formally declared her presidential bid after months of hinting at a possible run. Her announcement came amid a looming impeachment complaint against her and the scheduled confirmation of charges against her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The Palace said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had only one message for his former running mate: “Good luck!”

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said this was Marcos’ sole comment on Duterte’s declaration.

Castro, however, urged voters to scrutinize candidates carefully.

“Depende na po sa tao kung papaano nila susuriin ang mga kandidato. Isipin po nila ang kandidato at magiging lider ay dapat na makabayan, dapat interes ng bayan ang isinusulong. At maging cautious tayo, maging mapanuri kung isang Manchurian candidate ba ang maibuboto ninyo,” Castro said.

(It depends on the people on how they will assess the candidate. They should think about the candidate and leader who is patriotic, who advances the interest of the nation. And we should be cautious, be critical if you will vote for a Manchurian candidate.)

Duterte and her family have faced criticism over their perceived friendly stance toward China amid the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

During a press briefing earlier in the day, Duterte apologized to the public for running alongside Marcos in 2022 and helping him secure victory.

In response, the Palace said Duterte should first apologize to the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during her father’s administration.

Castro said that despite Marcos and Duterte campaigning together in 2022, it was clear who continued to work afterward.

“Mas dapat niyang inunang humingi ng tawad sa taumbayan lalong-lalo na sa mga biktima ng EJK. Dapat niya rin pong ihingi ng tawad at nakalimutan niya nang siya ay magsabing mayroon siyang kilalang assassin at handa siyang magpapatay,” Castro said.

(She should ask for forgiveness from the public, especially the victims of EJK. She should ask for forgiveness that she already forgot about how she said that she knew of an assassin and that she was ready to get them to kill.)

In November 2024, Duterte said she had arranged for someone to kill the president, First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged assassination plot against her pushed through. She later maintained that she did not use the word “assassin.”

Castro also cited Duterte’s previous controversies, including her overseas trips and her performance as Education Secretary, a post she assumed under the Marcos administration.

She likewise mentioned past issues linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte, including flood control projects initiated during his term.