PHFormer House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has urged supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte to rally behind his potential bid for the presidency in 2028.
Alvarez criticized the ongoing Quad Committee investigation in Congress, claiming it is a ploy to undermine a powerful “potential competitor” in the upcoming elections. He argued that Duterte could legally seek the presidency again, citing provisions in the 1987 Constitution.
“The Constitution disqualifies the incumbent president from reelection but does not prohibit a former president from running again,” Alvarez stated. He compared Duterte’s possible return to Donald Trump’s second run for the U.S. presidency, calling on supporters to champion the idea.
The Constitution’s Article 7, Section 4, states that anyone who has served more than four years as president cannot run for the same office. However, Alvarez insists this clause does not bar Duterte, as he is no longer the incumbent.
Critics, including members of the Young Guns faction in Congress, dismissed the notion, wishing Duterte’s supporters “good luck” and “God bless.” Meanwhile, Representatives Jay Khonghun of Zambales and Paolo Ortega of La Union called the Quad Committee investigation “political drama.”
The proposal has ignited a legal and political debate, with calls for the Supreme Court to clarify Duterte’s eligibility if he decides to run. Amid controversies, Duterte’s camp remains silent on any plans for 2028, leaving supporters and opponents speculating about a potential comeback.
