A senator has moved to shut down growing speculation about a possible presidential run in 2028, stressing that his focus remains on legislative work and that he intends to seek reelection rather than higher office.
Senator Raffy Tulfo dismissed speculation about a possible presidential run in 2028, saying he intends to remain in the Senate and continue his legislative work rather than pursue higher office despite strong showing in recent surveys.
The neophyte senator reiterated that he will not seek higher office in 2028 even if there is public clamor for him to run for president.
This came after he and Vice President Sara Duterte each registered 46 percent support in a Pulse Asia survey conducted from February 27 to March 2 in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup. Duterte has already announced plans to run for president in the next national elections.
Tulfo said he sees no reason to shift to a higher post, emphasizing that he believes he can still accomplish more in the Senate.
“I said it before and I’m going to say it again. Wala po akong balak na tumakbo as far as 2028 (is concerned). However, I believe I’m doing very well as senator and I can do a lot more as senator. Therefore, maaasahan niyo na re-electionist ako sa 2028,” he said in a chance interview before Tuesday’s plenary session.
He also pointed to several other possible contenders for the 2028 presidential race who are also fit and able, like Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, among others.
He also ruled out even a vice presidential run, saying he would instead support candidates who share similar priorities and advocacy.
In a separate statement, another senator from the same family also urged survey firms to exclude their names from early presidential preference polls, saying they prefer to focus on their current mandates after the recently concluded 2025 elections.
Senator Erwin Tulfo said public officials who have just come from an intense election season should be given space to work without being immediately drawn into the next national race, adding that their priority remains public service rather than early campaigning or speculation.