Photo credit: Inday Sara Duterte

On February 18, 2026, the fragile remnants of the "UniTeam" alliance finally disintegrated into the dust of Philippine history. In a televised address that felt less like a campaign launch and more like a declaration of independence, Vice President Sara Duterte officially announced her bid for the Presidency in 2028.

Her announcement comes at a moment of unprecedented volatility: she faces a barrage of revived impeachment complaints in a hostile Congress, while her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, remains in the custody of the International Criminal Court.

By positioning herself as the "last line of defense" against the current administration and international intervention, Sara has effectively turned the 2028 race into a high-stakes referendum on the Duterte legacy.

But in a landscape where she is increasingly isolated from the halls of Malacañang, the question of who will stand beside her on the ticket is no longer just about geography or "masa" appeal, it is about finding a partner who can offer a legal, institutional, and grassroots fortress.

As the dust settles on her declaration, four names have emerged as the frontrunners to serve as her shield and strategist: Senators Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, and Alan Peter Cayetano.

1. Senator Bong Go: The Guardian of the Legacy

Senator Bong Go remains the ultimate symbol of continuity. His landslide victory in the 2025 midterms proves that his brand of "Malasakit" (Compassion) remains the gold standard for a massive segment of the electorate.

• The Strategic Value: As the top-ranking Senator of 2025, he brings undeniable electoral momentum. His presence on the ticket reassures the "DDS" base that the elder Duterte’s programs—particularly the Malasakit Centers—will remain a national priority.
• The Unity Factor: Despite rumors of internal friction, his public appearances with the Vice President signal a "Solid Mindanao" front that is essential for a 2028 victory.

2. Senator Robin Padilla: The Voice of the Masses and Mindanao

Senator Padilla is more than just an action star; he is a bridge to the Bangsamoro and the youth who crave "authentic" leadership.

• The Strategic Value: His #1 rank in 2022 was a testament to his "masa" appeal. A Sara-Robin ticket would be an emotional powerhouse, combining Sara’s "Iron Lady" persona with Robin’s "Defender of the People" image.
• The BARMM Connection: As a devout Muslim, Padilla secures the critical support of the BARMM region, ensuring that the Duterte camp maintains its total dominance over the southern voting blocs.

3. Senator Rodante Marcoleta: The Legislative Gladiator

Senator Marcoleta brings the institutional weight and the disciplined support of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).

• The Strategic Value: His veteran status and his chairmanship of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee make him a formidable legal asset. He knows how to navigate the halls of power and can serve as the ticket’s chief defender against political probes.
• The Luzon Bridge: Hailing from Tarlac, he provides the ticket with a crucial entry point into Central and Northern Luzon, helping to diversify Sara's appeal beyond Mindanao.

4. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano: The Strategic Architect

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is the "Master Strategist" of the group. His role as Senate Minority Leader (heading a powerhouse 9-member bloc) positions him as the intellectual leader of the opposition.

• The Strategic Value: Cayetano offers a sophisticated legal and diplomatic shield. His consistent defense of National Sovereignty and his objections to the ICC proceedings in The Hague make him a trusted ally of the Duterte family.
• The Cayetano Network: A partnership with Alan brings the surrogate power of Senator Pia Cayetano and Mayor Lani Cayetano. This network provides the ticket with an established political fortress in Taguig and the National Capital Region (NCR), offering a vital base of operations to safeguard votes and mobilize the urban professional class.

A Ticket Built for Survival and Victory

By choosing from these four, Vice President Sara Duterte isn't just picking a running mate; she is choosing a governance philosophy.

Whether it is the grassroots loyalty of Go, the populist fire of Padilla, the institutional discipline of Marcoleta, or the strategic mastery of Cayetano, each candidate offers a specific "fortress" that makes the 2028 ticket nearly impenetrable.