Human rights lawyer Atty. Cristina Conti said Vice President Sara Duterte’s early announcement of her intention to run in the 2028 presidential elections may lead to renewed public scrutiny over alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and so-called "DDS killings.”

In an ambush interview in Quezon City, Conti, an ICC assistant to counsel, said the vice president's presidential bid could bring back unresolved issues. “Magkakaroon ng habol ito, maraming isyu, maraming multo na nasa likod niya lagi,” she said. “Hindi lang ‘yung corruption issues niya mismo, kundi even ‘yung extrajudicial killings at ang kanyang participation sa DDS killings.”

Conti added that Duterte’s name could potentially be mentioned in discussions concerning killings that allegedly occurred during her tenure as Davao City vice mayor and mayor from 2011 to 2019. “Maari pang mabanggit pa nga ang pangalan niya kung saka-sakali sa killings ng tatay niya dahil ang pag-uusapan doon ay kung ano ang nangyari sa Davao at kung paano ito naging nationwide,” she stated.

According to Conti, an early declaration of candidacy may intensify political and legal challenges, as past cases have shown that early campaign moves often revive longstanding controversies. The Vice President has not yet issued a comprehensive response to the remarks.