Vice President Sara Duterte made a brief appearance at a thanksgiving event that also served as a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Hong Kong. Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was also in attendance. The younger Duterte playfully teased a possible bid in the 2028 elections.

“I am thankful that from 2016 until 2025, you are still here… And in the next election in 2028 — just kidding,” she said in Filipino, sparking immediate speculation about her future political plans.

Former President Duterte echoed this sentiment, saying the country would be lucky to have his daughter as its next leader. However, he also cautioned the public, reiterating his past warnings about Vice President Duterte’s leadership style.

The vice president is currently at the center of an impeachment process in the House of Representatives. On 5 February, 215 out of 306 House members voted to impeach her on charges including violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. The 44-page impeachment complaint also accuses her of concealing unexplained wealth, orchestrating extrajudicial killings of drug users during her time as Davao mayor, and conspiring to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and members of his family.

With a Senate trial looming, the House has requested a dedicated workspace inside the Senate building for its 11-member prosecution team. Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s office confirmed receiving the request on 6 March, signaling that preparations for Duterte’s upcoming impeachment proceedings are now in full swing.