FORMER Mati City mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat has expressed her support for Vice President Sara Duterte, citing shared roots in Mindanao and what she described as the strong track record of Duterte-led programs.
“I will go for VP Sara. I am from Mindanao, and we are in the same region,” Rabat said. “We can see the good programs of Duterte.”
Rabat’s statement comes amid early political maneuvering ahead of the 2028 national elections, where alliances and endorsements are beginning to take shape well before the official campaign period.
When asked about her own political plans for 2028, Rabat declined to make any definitive announcements, saying discussions on candidacy remain premature.
“Running for 2028 is an open book. We will cross the bridge when we get there,” she said.
Despite keeping her personal plans open-ended, Rabat underscored that political unity within her family remains firm moving forward.
“All of the Rabats will remain united in 2028 and beyond,” she said.
Rabat, a prominent political figure in Davao Oriental, is part of the influential Nakpil-Rabat clan in Mati City. Her endorsement is expected to resonate locally, particularly among Mindanao voters who continue to view regional identity as a significant factor in national leadership.
VP Sara Duterte, a former Davao City mayor, has maintained strong support in Mindanao, with backers frequently pointing to governance programs implemented during her family’s political leadership in the region.
While the 2028 race is still years away, Rabat’s remarks signal early alignment and reinforce the continuing influence of Mindanao-based political blocs as discussions about the country’s next leadership cycle gradually intensify.
