Who can wage a good fight vs. Sara Duterte in 2028? Jonvic Remulla answers

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday named some opposition and independent politicians who "can wage a good fight" against "hard to beat" Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential elections.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Remulla said these politicians include incumbent Senators Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, and former vice president and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.

"It will be a great race, I think. I mean, hats off to VP Sara, she already announced. She'll make a great candidate. Hard to beat, almost impossible to beat. She'll make a great candidate. She has a compelling story. I think her narrative will carry her well," Remulla said.

"I think Bam Aquino could wage a good fight. I think Risa Hontiveros could wage a good fight. I think Leni Robredo can wage a good fight. Raffy Tulfo can wage a good fight. Ang daming qualified, daming magaling (Many are qualified and excellent). So it's quite open," he added.

Asked if he can run in the 2028 presidential race, Remulla refused to answer, stating he is focusing now on his work: "Let's not talk about that."

On February 18, Duterte announced her presidential bid for the 2028 polls.

According to Hontiveros, the opposition is expected to announce its presidential candidate by the end of the year or early 2027. 

Malacañang recently said that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has yet to discuss his choice for presidential candidate and possible coalitions for the 2028 elections. — VDV, GMA Integrated News