Akbayan Partylist representative Atty. Chel Diokno said on Thursday that he was not surprised by Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement that she intends to run for president in the 2028 national elections.

Duterte formally declared her candidacy on Wednesday, February 18, saying: “Ako si Sara Duterte. Tatakbo bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas.”

In an ambush interview, Diokno said the Vice President’s move had long been anticipated.

“Hindi naman po kami surprised, hindi naman kami nagulat sa kanyang announcement. Dahil alam naman ng buong sambayanang Pilipino ang kanyang balak,” Diokno said.

He urged voters to be discerning in choosing their candidates, emphasizing that the outcome of the elections would significantly shape the country’s future and the quality of life of Filipinos.

“Panawagan lang natin sa lahat ng mga boboto sa darating na halalan ay maging mapanuri tayo sa ating pipiliin na kandidato at lalong-lalo na sa mga mataas na pwesto,” he said. “Dahil kung sino man ang mailuluklok natin, ganoon din ang magiging klase ng kabuhayan.”

Diokno also reacted on the timing of Duterte’s declaration, noting that the 2028 elections are still several years away.

“Kakaiba ang timing niya kasi di ba medyo malayo pa ang ating halalan,” he said.

The lawmaker added that some observers have speculated about possible motivations behind the early announcement, including its alleged connection to ongoing impeachment discussions or ongoing proceedings of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Kaya ang mga naririnig ko nga, nakita ko rin sa kanila na ang teorya ng iba ay ano naman po ay may kinalaman sa nangyayaring impeachment o kaya doon sa kaso na mangyayari sa ICC pero siyempre hindi natin alam ‘yun dahil kailangan malaman natin mismo kay Vice President,” Diokno said.