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PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has confirmed that he will endorse a candidate for the 2028 presidential election, but says he is not yet ready to choose his preferred successor as the political landscape continues to evolve.
Reuters reported Marcos saying it would be premature to decide on a candidate now, adding that he had yet to hold discussions with anyone about seeking the presidency.
“You have to see how things really shape up. 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 Philippine Constitution limits presidents to a single six-year term, preventing Marcos from seeking re-election in 2028 and making his eventual endorsement potentially influential in the succession race.
His comments come as Vice-President Sara Duterte, his former political ally, makes early inroads in opinion polls ahead of the 2028 contest.
Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, announced in February that she would seek the presidency in 2028, setting up a potentially bitter contest between the heirs of two powerful political families.
Marcos and Sara Duterte ran together and won the 2022 election, but their alliance deteriorated early in their term, eventually developing into an increasingly bitter political feud.
The breakdown was followed by congressional scrutiny of Duterte's finances and an impeachment trial in the Senate, which began on July 6.
Duterte has been accused of financial irregularities, accumulating unexplained wealth and threatening Marcos' life, allegations she has denied.
If convicted in the impeachment proceedings, she would face a lifetime ban from holding public office.
Marcos has distanced himself from the impeachment proceedings, insisting that the matter is for the legislative branch to handle.
With Duterte already positioning herself for the 2028 presidency, Marcos' eventual choice of a successor could become a significant factor in the contest, although he gave no indication on Friday of whom he may eventually support. - August 14, 2026
