MANILA, Philippines — Leaders of the opposition on Wednesday said they were not surprised over Vice President Sara Duterte's announcement that she would run for presidnet in the 2028 elections.
Civic leader Jozy Acosta said that it was expected from her.
In a Messenger chat with The Manila Times, Acosta said that should not affect the impeachment cases against her.
"The two are entirely separate things. However, it could tip the scales if some legislators see her as the candidate to beat and want to curry favor with her," she said.
Acosta said the opposition needs to select a strong candidate for the upcoming polls in two years' time.
"I can't speak for the opposition. However, from conversations I've had, their imperative is to select the strongest candidate and unite behind him/her. A segment believes that this entails entering into a tactical alliance with the administration, while another seems insistent that the opposition can prevail on its own, given what they perceive as the erosion of the Uniteam base. I don't agree with the latter," she said.
Meanwhile, Trillion Pesos March organizer and Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor was also equally unsurprised.
"Her announcement has no effect on the allegations and evidence already laid out in the impeachment complaints filed against her. The legislators in the House themselves would be in a better position to comment on any political implications," he told the Times.
"I've always believed that preparations for 2028 should be made under the assumption that VP Duterte will be running for president. The announcement doesn't change that," he added.
