Top 10 Filipinos Who Could Be the Next President in 2028

 Top 10 Filipinos Who Could Be the Next President in 2028

A Personal Perspective

As the 2028 National Election draws nearer, I can already feel the growing tension, excitement, and hope among Filipinos. Everywhere I go, people are talking about who deserves to lead our country next. As a concerned citizen, I believe it’s important to look at potential leaders with a clear mind and an honest heart. Here are my personal insights on the Top 10 Filipinos who are often mentioned as qualified to run for President in 2028.

1. Sara Duterte

As the current Vice President, Sara Duterte remains one of the strongest contenders. Her political experience, name recall, and Mindanao base give her significant advantage. However, she has faced controversies that may affect her run. Still, her influence cannot be denied.

2. Raffy Tulfo

Raffy Tulfo’s rise is phenomenal. From media to the Senate, his “action-oriented” style resonates deeply with ordinary Filipinos. Many see him as a leader who listens and acts fast. If popularity and relatability become central in 2028, he will be a top force.

3. Risa Hontiveros

Risa Hontiveros represents progressive leadership—someone who champions human rights, social welfare, and gender equality. I see her as a leader who can bring compassion and integrity into governance, though she will need wider acceptance beyond her usual base.

4. Grace Poe

Grace Poe, with her clean reputation and calm leadership style, continues to be a consistent national figure. Even if she is often discussed more as a vice-presidential option, she still carries the credibility and experience to run for the highest office.

5. Isko “Yorme” Moreno

As former Manila Mayor, Isko Moreno showed bold governance and urban revitalization. His humble beginnings and strong energy appeal to many. If he sharpens his national platform, he could become a powerful contender again.

6. Martin Romualdez

Martin Romualdez commands political strength as House Speaker. His network and resources are undeniable. However, he must convince Filipinos that he can lead beyond political lineage and truly connect with the ordinary citizen.

7. Leni Robredo

Leni Robredo remains a strong moral figure for millions of Filipinos. Her integrity, grassroots leadership, and relentless service make her a respected personality. Whether she runs or not, her name sparks hope for many who want clean governance.

8. Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao’s legacy as a world boxing champion gives him unmatched global name recognition. Many admire him for rising from poverty to greatness. But he still needs to strengthen his political narrative to go beyond fame.

9. Imee Marcos

Imee Marcos brings experience, political machinery, and a well-known surname. But this same surname is also her biggest challenge. In 2028, she will need to prove she can lead independently and responsibly.

10. A Possible New Reformist or Independent Leader

As I observe the younger generation, I sense a hunger for fresh, non-dynastic leadership. Whether it’s a young mayor, a progressive advocate, or a rising reformist, many Filipinos are waiting for someone new—someone courageous, credible, and untainted by old politics. This unknown contender might surprise us all.

My Reflection on the 2028 Race

The 2028 election will not just be a battle of personalities. It will be a battle for the direction of our nation:

Do we continue the old ways, or do we finally demand something better?

I believe each of these potential candidates reflects different faces of the Filipino dream—strength, compassion, discipline, hope, or reform. But ultimately, it is we, the people, who must decide which dream we want to pursue.

As I look at these potential leaders, one truth becomes very clear to me:

The future of our nation will not be shaped by one President alone—it will be shaped by the courage of its people to choose wisely.

We cannot afford to vote out of loyalty, popularity, or fear.

We cannot repeat the mistakes that have chained us to corruption, division, and stagnation.

We cannot remain silent when the future of our children is at stake.

In 2028, I challenge myself—and every Filipino—to rise above the noise and look deeper.

To question.

To analyze.

To demand better.

Because leadership is not just about who wins.

Leadership is about who we choose to become as a nation.

And if we want a stronger Philippines, we must first become stronger Filipinos—braver, wiser, and united in purpose.

The next President may come from this list—or someone new may emerge.

But whoever it is, I am determined to cast my vote not with emotion, but with conviction.

For my country.
For the next generation.
For a Philippines that finally rises.

If Sara Duterte Becomes the Next President: What Era Will It Be Called?

 

An Opinion–Analysis from a Concerned Filipino Citizen

Philippine politics has always been shaped by the personalities of its leaders. From the Era of Authoritarian Rule under Marcos Sr., the Era of People Power Rebirth under Cory Aquino, the Reformist Growth Era under Ramos, the Erap Era of Populism, the PNoy Era of Accountability, to the Duterte Era of Iron Fist Governance, every presidency leaves a name—an identity stamped in our collective memory.

And now, with the possibility of Sara Duterte becoming the next President, many Filipinos are asking:

“What kind of era will emerge under her leadership?”

Let’s explore this deeply and realistically.

Possible Era: The Era of Continuity and Consolidation

If Sara Duterte becomes President, the most probable brand of her administration would revolve around continuity—not just of her father’s legacy, but of their political network and governance style.

Why “continuity and consolidation”?

1. Continuity of the Duterte Brand

Sara has always been vocal about carving her own path, yet she remains deeply tied to the Duterte name.
Her rise to national politics was built on three pillars:

• The strongman narrative of Rodrigo Duterte

• The image of discipline and toughness she portrays

• The strong support base in Mindanao

A Sara Duterte presidency would likely be seen as a continuation of a governance template Filipinos already witnessed—strictness, law enforcement emphasis, and unapologetic leadership.

2. Consolidation of Power Among Political Alliances

A Sara presidency would likely continue and even strengthen alliances that shaped the post-2016 political landscape.
This means:

• Consolidation of regional power blocs

• Strong influence of Duterte-affiliated officials

• Reinforcement of the Mindanao political rise

Thus, “consolidation” becomes a fitting word—not just of power, but of identity, influence, and political machinery.

Alternative Era Names Depending on Her Governance Style

1. The Era of Assertive Governance

If she watches her father’s style but applies it with her own level-headed yet firm personality, this era may reflect strong political will with structured decision-making.

2. The Era of Federalist Revival

If she revives the push for Federalism—a long-standing advocacy of her father—the era could be remembered for attempts to decentralize power and uplift the regions.

3. The Era of Iron Sister Leadership

If she embraces the warrior-like, tough persona she is known for (“Inday Sara”), her era may be known for decisive, uncompromising policymaking.

4. The Era of Motherly Nationalism

If she leans more into her softer side—emphasizing children’s welfare, education, and social support—it could balance her tough image with maternal leadership, similar to how she rebranded in previous campaigns.

What the Public Might Call It—Realistically

Filipino society is very label-driven. Here are likely real-world labels:

1. “Duterte 2.0 Era”

If her governance mirrors the policies of her father.

2. “The Inday Era”

If her personal leadership style strongly defines her administration.

3. “Mindanao Era of Leadership”

If she continues to elevate Mindanao’s political dominance.

4. “The Era of Political Restoration”

If she positions herself as the stabilizer after political divisions.

My Take as a Blogger and Concerned Citizen

If Sara Duterte becomes President, I believe her era will depend on how she chooses to step out of her father’s shadow.

Will it be:

• A refined, more structured version of Duterte leadership?

• A transformative path with new policies and priorities?

• A political repetition of the past—good or bad?

• Or a complete rebranding of what a “Duterte presidency” looks like?

Her legacy will hinge not just on continuity, but on how she evolves the narrative behind her name.
Because ultimately, history does not remember slogans.
It remembers impact.

Conclusion: The Era We Choose Depends on the Leader She Becomes

As I reflect on this possibility, I challenge myself—and every Filipino:

Let us not fear the future, but shape it.
Whoever the next President is, including if it becomes Sara Duterte, the real era that will define our nation is not shaped by one person alone—
it is shaped by the collective courage, the voice, and the vigilance of the people.

If I will give this era a name, as a concerned citizen, I say this:

“The Era of Responsibility.”
Because whoever we elect, we must hold them accountable.
Whoever leads, we must guide through our choices, our voices, and our participation.
And whoever rises to power, the Filipino people must rise higher.

The future era is not just hers—
It is ours to define.