Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he will adopt a more “pragmatic” and “careful” approach in calculating a potential presidential run in the 2028 elections, drawing on insights gained from his past political bids.
Speaking at a news forum, Teodoro reflected on his previous national campaign experiences, including his presidential run in 2010 and his senatorial bid in 2016, both of which were unsuccessful.
“I’ve been there, and I’ve done that before, so probably, the calculation I have to make is a little bit more knowing now and more pragmatic and more careful,” Teodoro told a news forum last Saturday.
Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of his career trajectory, the defense chief noted how unexpected political turns led him back to public office despite past declarations.
“You know, I’ve said before that no more this, no more that. But it turns out some other way. Look, I ran for senator, (I) didn’t make it. I find myself here, I find myself in this situation. So who knows what will happen?,” said Teodoro.
Teodoro served his first term as defense chief in 2007 under the administration of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reappointed him to the Cabinet post, where he has maintained a firm stance in asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea against Chinese coercion and aggression.
Regarding a potential 2028 bid, Teodoro emphasized that he will evaluate the political landscape when a definitive opportunity arises.
“I’ll cross the bridge when I get there and I’ll weigh whatever is best for the situation I find myself in,” said Teodoro.
He added that his decision will center on whether a national run remains viable and aligns with his capability to make an impact.
“If it’s something that I would like to do, if it is something that I think I can do something,” he said. “If it’s not doable, then let’s see.”
“Those are a lot of situations that we need to weigh. And I think there will come a time I will have to come to grips with what I want to do and what I have to do,” said Teodoro.
As political circles float potential 2028 contenders, including former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Teodoro rejected assertions comparing his cautious demeanor to playing hard-to-get.
“For me, it’s not pakipot. It’s more a question of reality, versus what I’m doing now, versus who knows what’s going to happen in the future,” said Teodoro.