Chavit Singson Publicly Endorses Sara Duterte’s 2028 Bid

MANILA — Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson on February 26 publicly vowed to support Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential presidential bid in the 2028 elections, marking an early political endorsement as the national election cycle approaches.

In a February 26 interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s political talk show “At The Forefront,” Singson said he would back Duterte should she pursue the presidency in the 2028 polls.

Who Made the Endorsement

Luis “Chavit” Singson is a longtime political figure who served multiple terms as governor of Ilocos Sur. He has remained active in national political discourse and has participated in various campaign efforts over the past decades.

Vice President Sara Duterte currently serves as the nation’s second-highest official. She previously served as mayor of Davao City before winning the vice presidency in the 2022 national elections.

What Was Said

During the televised interview, Singson said, “Yes, I will support her. I will support Inday Sara,” when asked about his position regarding Duterte’s potential presidential campaign.

He clarified that his political support is now aligned with Duterte rather than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., with whom he had previously been politically associated.

Singson also commented on the implications of early political declarations, noting that while early announcements may attract scrutiny, they may also allow candidates to address criticism before the formal campaign period begins.

When and Where the Endorsement Occurred

The endorsement was made during a nationally broadcast interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel. The program “At The Forefront” features political discussions and interviews with public officials and policy stakeholders.

Political and Electoral Context

The next Philippine presidential election is scheduled for May 2028. Under the 1987 Constitution, presidents are limited to a single six-year term.

Vice presidents are not subject to the same single-term limitation for the presidency and may seek higher office in subsequent elections, subject to constitutional and election regulations set by the Commission on Elections.

Why It Matters

Singson’s endorsement signals early political positioning among local and national leaders ahead of the 2028 election cycle. As a former provincial executive with established networks in Northern Luzon, his support may influence political alignments in certain regions.

Early endorsements can help potential candidates build alliances and consolidate support ahead of the official filing of certificates of candidacy, which typically occurs in the year preceding national elections.

Response and Opposition Position

As of publication, there has been no official response from Malacañang regarding Singson’s endorsement.

Duterte has not issued a separate public statement specifically addressing Singson’s remarks. Political alignments and party configurations for the 2028 elections are expected to evolve as the election cycle progresses.

Background on Singson’s Political Alignment

Singson previously supported the administration of President Marcos during the 2022 elections. In recent months, however, he has publicly indicated a shift in his political priorities.

This development reflects ongoing political realignments among some leaders in the build-up to the 2028 elections, as alliances continue to evolve ahead of the formal campaign season.

Singson’s declaration represents one of the early public endorsements linked to the upcoming presidential race as political discussions begin to intensify in the lead-up to the 2028 national polls.