“It’s a free country.”

This was the response of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when asked for comment on the plans of some members of the Duterte family to run in the 2025 and 2028 elections.

“They’re allowed to do what it is they want,” said President Marcos during an ambush interview after Thursday’s 2024 National Employment Summit in Manila Hotel.

“Besides, it’s still early. We really won’t know any of these things. You’re talking about 2028. Ang dami pang mangyayari between now and 2028,” he added.

The President said “the only real situation will become clear in October” during the filing of certificates of candidacy.

“Then we will see really kung tatakbo ba talaga? Sino ba talaga tatakbo? Kanino sasama? What are the parties involved? Which parties are in alliance with which? Doon lang natin makikita sa Oktubre,” he added.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his two sons are planning to run for the Senate and the Presidency in the 2025 and 2028 elections, Vice President Sara Duterte said on Tuesday. | PND