BY ALEX ALAGON
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte continues to be the preferred candidate for the 2028 elections, while the vice presidential race remains wide open, according to the latest national survey of nonpartisan public opinion firm WR Numero.
The March 2026 Philippine Public Opinion Monitor asked Filipinos their preferred candidates for president and vice president in the 2028 national elections. Around 36% said they will vote for Duterte, marking a modest 3-point increase from November 2025 (See Figure 1).
Trailing Duterte are Senator Raffy Tulfo (19%) and former Vice President Leni Robredo (16%). Both saw gains in voter intention, with Tulfo rising by 5 percentage points and Robredo by 3. Far behind are Senators Bong Go (4%), Bam Aquino (3%), and Kiko Pangilinan (1%) (See Figure 1).
Among the presidential contenders polling below 1% are Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre. (See Figure 1)
Meanwhile, nearly one in five Filipinos (19%) are still undecided on whom to vote for president (See Figure 1).
Likewise, more than a quarter of voters have yet to identify their choice for vice president. Among those who express preference, incumbent Senator Bong Go (12%), former Senator Grace Poe (12%), and Senator Robin Padilla (12%) lead the field. Go’s sole lead in November 2025 diminished after logging a 7-point decline in March 2026, while polling numbers for Poe and Padilla picked up by 4 and 3 percentage points, respectively. (See Figure 2)
Neophyte Senator Rodante Marcoleta stands at 8% following his inclusion in the vice presidential survey for the first time. Meanwhile, opposition leader Senator Risa Hontiveros garners 6%, recording a 3-point increase from November 2025. In contrast, voting preference for Senator Bam Aquino dipped by 5 points, obtaining only 2% in March 2026. (See Figure 2)
Other potential contenders for vice president include Senators Chiz Escudero (5%), Kiko Pangilinan (5%), and Imee Marcos (2%). President Bongbong Marcos and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, meanwhile, each attain 4%. (See Figure 2)
Rounding up the list of vice presidentiables are Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, MMDA General Manager Torre, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, all of whom poll less than 1%. (See Figure 2)
The March 2026 nationwide survey, conducted from March 10 to 17, was done through face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,455 Filipinos residing in the Philippines, at a ±3% margin of error and 95% confidence level. At the subnational level, the margin of error is ±7% for the National Capital Region, ±4% for the rest of Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±6% for Mindanao, all at the same 95% confidence level.
These findings form part of the WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, Volume 2026, Issue 9, March 2026. The survey includes the latest voter preferences for the 2028 elections, as well as the current public opinion on the Anti-Dynasty Bill, Impeachment proceedings of VP Duterte, and the detention and trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague.
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte expressed his deep longing for the Filipino people as he marked his 81st birthday behind bars, moved to tears by videos of global celebrations held in his honor.
During a two-hour visit by Davao congressman Paolo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Detention Center, the former leader was shown a compilation of photos and videos documenting festivities from the streets of Davao City to the Philippine embassy in Tokyo and the plazas of The Hague.
“I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, each and every one outside of this prison, and everywhere in the Philippines, wherever you find yourself in the world,” Duterte said in a statement released following the visit. “Thank you for the love and support. I miss you all.”
Despite his detention, supporters organized synchronized events across the globe.
The lawmaker joined supporters in The Hague, while Vice President Sara Duterte and Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte led local tributes in their home stronghold of Davao City.
The former President was reportedly “amazed” by the massive crowds that gathered for marches in Shibuya, Japan, and the Netherlands.
He also expressed pride in the food distribution programs conducted in the name of January Duterte, which reached marginalized communities across the country.
The visit was described as an “emotionally intense” two hours.
Those present noted that the former President cycled through a range of emotions—laughing at a video of former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo dancing, and reminiscing about past birthdays in Davao.
He shared lighthearted anecdotes of his younger years, recalling a tradition where he would paint his forehead with chicken blood to honor his birthday.
As a “special gift,” the visit concluded with Duterte watching footage of the Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 pageant.
The former Davao City mayor reportedly explained the mechanics of the competition to his visitors, emphasizing its cultural importance to the city he led for decades.
While the former President had initially expressed a desire not to celebrate his birthday this year, his legal and support team noted a significant shift in his morale after seeing the outpouring of support.
Duterte closed his message with a characteristic blessing: “God bless you, God bless our country, the Philippines.”
THE CULMINATION of Davao City’s charter day was politician-studded as allies of the Duterte family graced the Parada Dabawenyo, the culmination event for the month-long festivities for the 89th Araw ng Dabaw Parade.
The city’s founding anniversary coincided with the 81st birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The parade—starting at 6 a.m. until around noon from Roxas Avenue, C.M. Recto Ave., Rizal Street, Iñigo Street, and finally stopping at San Pedro Square—drew more than 400 registered contingents.
Atty. Rowena Guanzon, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Atty. Harold Respicio, Ronald Cardema, and Congressmen Leandro Leviste and Kiko Barzaga were spotted at the stage.
In his speech, Respicio, the vice mayor of Reina Mercedes, Isabela, slammed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the attacks on the former president despite Vice President Sara Duterte’s support for his presidency in 2022, when they were running mates.
“Instead of supporting the one who helped you become president, you even had her father arrested by foreigners. You have no debt of gratitude,” Respicio said, addressing President Marcos.
He said the impeachment of VP Sara is a strategy aimed at blocking her presidential bid for 2028.
VP Sara officially announced her bid for the 2028 presidency on February 18, 2026. Despite facing impeachment complaints, she maintains high popularity.
Topacio said in the midst of the “joyful celebration” for the Araw ng Dabaw, the city is grieving for
“Nagluluksa tayo sapagkat kinidnap, kinulong ang ating Tatay Digong. Anong kasalanan niya? Inubos niya ang mga adik sa Pilipinas. Binaba niya ang kriminalidad, nilabanan niya ang korapsyon. Siya ang nakakulong (We are grieving because our Tatay Digong was kidnapped and arrested. What was his sin? He targeted all the addicts in the Philippines, reduced criminality, and fought against corruption, yet he’s the one in jail),” Topacio stressed.
Topacio said that while the country is experiencing a crisis, Congress is prioritizing the impeachment case for the vice president.
Guanzon, on the other hand, emphasized she is “putting faith” in her confidence for VP Sara’s presidential bid in 2028.
“Kung hindi si Sara Duterte ang mag presidente, walang mananagot (If Sara Duterte won’t become president, nobody would be held accountable),” Guanzon said, committing her support to the vice president, whether she decides to run for senator or not.
Second District Rep. Omar Duterte thanked the Davaoeños who greeted the former president on his birthday.
“From the bottom of my heart, I am with you. I really miss him, and I want him to return home, but let us keep our spirits up, and keep on praying for the outcome that we want,” he said.
This year’s Parada Dabawenyo, normally held on March 16, fell on FPRRD’s 81st birthday, March 28, but organizers maintained that the parade was a celebratory event to mark Davao City’s founding anniversary and the iconic celebration of 100 years of City Hall.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte paid tribute to the resilience of her fellow Davaoeños during an interview with the media at the Parada Dabawenyo on March 28, marking the 89th founding anniversary of Davao City.
The Vice President highlighted the city’s dramatic evolution, recalling a past when the region was defined by instability.
“Davao’s journey has been long and difficult,” Duterte said. “From the days when it was chaotic—a stronghold of criminals and the NPA—it is now a peaceful and prosperous city.”
Duterte attributed this transformation to divine blessing and the collective discipline of the people.
She expressed her gratitude to the community for participating in the month-long festivities designed to “give honor to our most beloved city.”
The ‘Araw ng Davao’ Spirit
The Parada Dabawenyo serves as the centerpiece of the city’s annual celebrations, showcasing the diverse culture and economic growth that characterized the region over the last nine decades.
The Vice President’s presence at the event underscores the Duterte family’s deep roots in the city’s political and social fabric.
As Davao marks its 89th year, the local government continues to focus on sustaining the “peace and order” model that the Vice President credited for the city’s current status as a premier urban hub in Mindanao.
A GROUP of lawyers officially petitioned the Supreme Court on Friday to strike down what they described as “procedurally defective” impeachment proceedings by the House committee on justice.
The 186-page Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition, led by Atty. Israelito P. Torreon and a coalition of prominent legal figures urged the High Tribunal to issue an immediate temporary restraining order (TRO) on the proceedings.
The petition (GR No. 275596) argued that the House of Representatives is exercising “grave abuse of discretion” by allowing the third and fourth impeachment complaints against Duterte to proceed.
The lawyers specifically assail the Committee for what they call a glaring double standard.
The petition notes that while the House dismissed similar complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for “failure to state ultimate facts,” it has allegedly relaxed those same standards to allow a “roving inquiry” into the Vice President.
“A complaint insufficient at threshold must be dismissed… it cannot be revived by subpoena, salvaged by hearing, or completed by compelled proof,” the petition states, arguing that the House is illegally using its coercive machinery to “build, rather than merely evaluate, a case.”
VP: ‘Grateful but uninvolved’
Speaking from Davao City, Vice President Duterte clarified that while she is grateful for the legal “shield” provided by these independent lawyers, the petition was not a coordinated move by her office.
“They didn’t consult with me,” Duterte said in an interview with Davao media on Saturday. “I’m not thinking about impeachment at this time. I’ve left all of that to the lawyers.”
Despite her hands-off claim, her rhetoric against her detractors in Congress has hardened.
She characterized the House proceedings as an “abuse of the impeachment process” and expressed gratitude to the lawyers for “fighting for our Constitution.”
This marks the second time the Vice President’s allies have sought Supreme Court intervention to halt impeachment efforts. The petitioners, which include Atty. Richard T. Mata and Atty. Raul Lambino argued that if the Court does not step in, the “integrity of impeachment” will be permanently compromised.
Amid the flurry of subpoenas and court filings, the Vice President officially confirmed her intention to seek the nation’s highest office.
“I have already declared my candidacy. I am a presumptive candidate for the 2028 presidential elections,” Duterte stated, although she noted that detailed planning for a Senate slate remains in the early stages.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte unsurprisingly snubbed the invitation to her own impeachment hearing, accusing committee on justice members in the Lower House of orchestrating a “third fishing expedition.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Duterte dismissed the committee’s proceedings as a fabricated “media narrative.” She argued that the push for her personal appearance is a tactical attempt to stage a “mini-trial” designed to portray her as evasive to the public.
The vice president asserted that no rule mandates a respondent’s physical presence at such hearings.
“The invitation… is seemingly being used to build a narrative based on my alleged non-answer and non-attendance,” Duterte said in Filipino. She emphasized that her formal defense—an Answer ad Cautelam —has already been submitted, leaving the committee with “nothing left to do but dismiss the complaints” for what she described as a “clear lack of evidence.”
Duterte framed the impeachment as a distraction from the “State of National Energy Emergency” and the soaring cost of living.
“Once again, politics is being put ahead of the welfare of millions of Filipinos who are struggling due to expensive goods, business closures, and job losses,” Duterte stated.
THE 54TH Datu Bago Awards officially honored six outstanding individuals for their achievements, leadership, and impact in Davao City on Wednesday evening, March 18, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Awardees who are civic leaders, an artist, and a banker, were rewarded with plaques of recognition and medals for their significant contributions to the city’s progress as well as serving as role models for Davaoenos.
The 2026 awardees are Eduardo A. Bangayan – Public Service, Gene C. Bangayan – Tourism, Maria Cristina Floirendo Brias – Community Livelihood, Alex V. Buenaventura – Rural Banking, Manuel M. Orig – Civic Service, and Welehito N. Pepito – Visual Arts.
The awarding ceremony was attended by Vice President Sara Duterte, who said in her opening remarks, “Today is more than just a ceremony, it’s a moment of pride for all of us because when Davao City gives its highest honor, it’s not just recognizing achievements on paper. It’s recognizing lives that have made a real difference in the everyday stories of our people.”
Former councilor Pilar Braga, chairperson of the Datu Bago Board of Trustees, highlighted in her speech that all of the awardees shared a common trait, which is an enduring commitment to serve and uplift Davao’s communities.
Founded in 1969, the Datu Bago Awards is one of Davao City’s highest honors bestowed upon Davaoenos for their dedication and excellence in the city. Over the years, nominees have been selected based on their exemplary services in any field.
Named after the local hero “Datu Bago,” the ceremony is held every March as part of the annual Araw ng Dabaw celebration.
- VP joins family for FPRRD’s 81st birthday celebration in Davao City
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte has confirmed she will be in Davao City on March 28, to take part in a dual milestone—the culmination of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw and the 81st birthday of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who remains detained in The Hague.
The vice president made the announcement in a recent interview with Davao media, clarifying that her presence in the city is a long-standing tradition of personal and civic duty.
“I am here because it is the Araw ng Dabaw parade,” she said. When asked if she would also be attending the former President’s birthday celebration, she replied, “Yes, yes, as usual.”
The vice president’s participation in the Parada Dabawenyo is a highly anticipated highlight for Davaoeños.
For years, even during her tenure as mayor, she has been a fixture of the parade, often seen interacting closely with everyone along the route.
The event was moved to Saturday, March 28, to accommodate the week-long festivities and ensure maximum participation from the community.
The nature of her visit carries extra weight this year. With the former President recently marking his first year since the start of the ICC’s formal proceedings, the 81st birthday celebration is expected to draw a massive show of support from supporters.
Authorities have already prepared for a significant crowd influx on March 28, as supporters from across Mindanao are expected to travel to the city to catch a glimpse of the Vice President and join the festivities for the elder Duterte.
- OVP to continue ‘Libreng Sakay’ despite rising fuel costs
DESPITE the steady climb of petroleum prices, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) confirmed that its Libreng Sakay (free ride) program will continue to operate to provide much-needed relief to Filipino commuters.
In an interview with Davao reporters on Saturday, March 14, Vice President Sara Duterte said there are no plans to suspend the initiative, noting its significant impact on the daily budgets of workers and students struggling with rising transportation costs.
“It will continue because that is a dedicated project of the Office of the Vice President. In fact, while watching the [program] presentation earlier, I was already thinking of more ways we can help people, especially in their daily commute,” Duterte said.
The vice president added that the government has a responsibility to launch programs that directly alleviate the burdens of the commuting public.
The Department of Energy cautioned the public to brace for another round of fuel increases next week, as the premium diesel pump is already nearing the P100 per liter mark in some gas stations in Davao City.
Motorists can expect a P12 per liter adjustment on gas and at least P15 per liter for diesel.
As of September 2025, the OVP reported that the program has already served approximately 2.5 million passengers across the country.
Currently, the “Libreng Sakay” initiative operates seven key routes in various strategic locations nationwide, utilizing a fleet designed to augment existing public transportation.
Data from the OVP suggests that the program remains a vital safety net for Filipinos looking to save on daily expenses as global oil volatility continues to affect local pump prices.
