MANILA – Senator Robin Padilla suggested a “girl power” tandem for the 2028 national elections, hinting that Senator Imee Marcos could be the running mate of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Padilla clarified that he is not seeking the vice presidency himself, saying he wants Marcos to join Duterte on the ticket.

“Hindi po [ako], si Imee ‘yung gusto kong ano eh. Ano ako eh, Sara-Imee ako eh,” he said in an ambush interview.
(Translation: “It’s not me, I want Imee to run for vice president. I’m pushing for a Sara-Imee tandem.”)

“Panahon na para maramdaman ng mga Pinoy ang girl power,” he added.
(Translation: “It’s time for Filipinos to feel the girl power.”)

Padilla said he supports reconciliation and would actively campaign for the Sara-Imee tandem if it materializes.

Marcos, when asked if she is open to being Duterte’s running mate, avoided a direct answer.

“Hello, basta sunud-sunuran ako doon,” she said.
(Translation: “I just follow whatever Duterte says.”)

She added, “Well kung sabagay, talaga namang forever running mate ko naman talaga yan—takbo, gapang, luhod, patayo, paupo. Hindi ko naman siya kailanman iniwanan.”
(Translation: “Well, if anything, I’m really her forever running mate when it comes to running, crawling, kneeling, standing, sitting. I never left her.”)

Earlier on Wednesday, Duterte formally announced her presidential bid for the 2028 elections.

Meanwhile, Marcos released an official statement praising Duterte’s announcement:

“Itinaga lamang niya sa bato ang hiling at panawagan ng kanyang mga tagasuporta, kinumpirma rin niya ang takot ng kanyang mga kalaban.
Siya ang katauhan ng kabaligtaran ng administrasyong ito, siya ang magbibigay ng direksyon sa kawalang patutunguhan ng bansa; taglay niya ang TAPANG at MALASAKIT ng kanyang ama habang bitbit ang karanasan sa pagtulong sa maralita, mga nangangailangan at pinagmalupitan. Siya ang MAY SOLUSYON.”

(Translation: “She has firmly answered the call of her supporters and confirmed the fear of her opponents. She embodies the opposite of this administration, providing direction to a nation without it; she carries the courage and compassion of her father while bringing experience in helping the poor, the needy, and the oppressed. She is the SOLUTION.”)