Magalong on Sara Duterte Tandem Rumors: ‘Hindi national post ang focus ko kundi Good Governance at laban sa kurapsiyon’

Baguio City, Philippines – Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, on Wednesday, February 25, addressed talks linking his name to a possible tandem with Sara Duterte, saying he has no intention of running for a national post.

It can be recalled that Sara Duterte announced on February 18 that she will run for president in the 2028 elections. Since then, several names have surfaced as her potential running mates. While she claimed to have already “recruited” a partner as early as 2025, she has yet to reveal the person’s identity.

Among the prominent figures being speculated as her possible vice president are Senators Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, and Bong Go, along with Mayor Magalong.

In an interview with the media, Magalong clarified that he is not entertaining national ambitions at present and remains focused on his mandate as mayor of Baguio City. Despite this, he said he appreciates being mentioned in political discussions.

“Sa ngayon, wala akong reaksyon. Hindi naman tayo nagmamanifest na tatakbo tayo sa national position. Although it’s nice to be considered. Pero sa ngayon, naka-focus tayo dito sa ating pagiging mayor at sa advocacy natin for good governance at laban sa korapsyon. Hindi ko pa pinag-iisipan iyang national positions na iyan,” Magalong said.

When asked about his relationship with the Duterte family, the local chief executive traced it back to his time in the police service, clarifying that their connection was anchored in professional work rather than political patronage.

“When I was in the Philippine National Police, we were able to deliver accomplishments and achievements and properly supervise various police operations. At the same time, during the pandemic, na-appreciate naman nila ang trabaho natin. Ibig kong sabihin, trabaho lang. Hindi tayo pasipsip. Ang isang local official or any government official, kung maayos ang iyong trabaho at hindi ka humahalik sa puwet ng mga boss, mapapansin ka naman. Siyempre, kung magugustuhan nila ang trabaho mo, then you become close to them, di ba? Iyon lang naman ang relationship namin ni former president,” he added.