Marcos' presidential bet, coalitions for 2028 polls not yet discussed —Palace

Malacañang on Thursday said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to discuss his presidential candidate and possible coalitions for the 2028 elections.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that political matters concerning the future polls are not currently on the administration’s agenda.

“Sa totoo lang kapag nakakasama natin ang Pangulo sa pagme-meeting, hindi po talaga napag-uusapan sa ngayon ang politika patungkol dyan,” Castro old GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview.

(To be honest, when we are with the President in meetings, we don't really talk about that politics.)

According to Castro, Marcos is currently busy with the preparations for the ASEAN meetings and the discussions with economic teams to improve the condition of the country.

Castro was asked about Marcos’ plan following the announcement of Vice President Sara Duterte that she will run for president in the 2028 elections.

“If you're a politician, you will think of the next election. But if you are a statesman, you will think of the next generation,” Castro said.

“So, yung mga nag-iisip ngayon ng politika, ang aga-aga, alam mo na ang nasa dibdib, para i-angat ang sarili, i-promote agad ang sarili. Hindi iniisip na i-promote ang bansa,” she added.

(So, those who are thinking about politics this early, you already know what's in their hearts, to promote themselves immediately. They're not thinking about promoting the country.)

Girl power?

Asked about the possible tandem of Duterte and Marcos’ ssister, Senator Imee, in the upcoming elections:

“Parang Powerpuff Girls lang. Kulang pa ng isa. Girl power daw. Ramdamin ng buong Pilipinas ang kanilang power. Team Itim Power ‘yan actually. Hindi girl power,” Castro said.

(It's like the Powerpuff Girls. One more member is missing. "Girl power," they say. The entire Philippines feels their power. That's Team Itim Power, actually, not girl power.)

Senator Marcos and Duterte had a political advertisement last year with the theme "Itim" (black), which they said symbolized how the "wrong path" should be corrected.

Castro said she has not discussed the Sara-Imee tandem with Marcos yet. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News