Senator Raffy Tulfo denied reports that he has received offers to run for president in the 2028 national elections.

In a press briefing, Tulfo clarified that he has not received any proposal from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or Vice President Sara Duterte regarding a potential presidential bid. He said suggestions about him running came only from individuals in the private sector who were merely recommending the idea.

“Yung mga nagsabi sa akin, ‘yung nasa private sector yon. 'yung kumbaga nagrerekomenda lang pero walang nagsabi na uy tumakbo ka akong bahala sa'yo. Tulungan kita. Wala. 'Yun 'yung mga nakipag-usap sa akin, parang nagre-recommend lang parang sa-sugggest. What if? Yun. Tapos sinasabi ko pasensya na ayoko,” the senator said.

(“Those who told me about it were from the private sector. They were just making recommendations, but no one said, ‘Go ahead and run, I’ll take care of you. I’ll help you.’ None. The people who spoke to me were simply suggesting it, like asking, ‘What if?’ And I would tell them, ‘Sorry, I’m not interested’)

For now, Tulfo said he intends to seek reelection to the Senate in the next polls. He added that he is satisfied with being a member of the Senate, where he believes he can accomplish more and directly help people.

“‘Pag ikaw a nandun sa taas, kung gumawa ka ng tama, mali ka. Meron pa ring kokontra sayo na mali ka. Hindi ka gumawa, sabihin tamad ka at wala kang pakinabang etc. 

(If you’re at the top, even if you do what’s right, you’re still seen as wrong. There will always be people who oppose you and say you’re wrong. If you don’t do anything, they’ll say you’re lazy and useless.)

“So wala kang pupuntahan doon eh. Eh samantalang sa Senate eh low key lang tayo at ginagawa lang natin trabaho natin at natutuwa naman ako dahil nakikita ko naman ah yung ah response nung mga natutulungan natin nagpapasalamat. So I'm happy,” he further stated.

 (So you really won’t get anywhere there. In the Senate, we can just keep a low profile and focus on doing our job, and I’m happy because I see the positive response from the people we’ve helped—they’re grateful. So I’m happy.)

The senator also said he still plans to run as an independent candidate but remains open to supporting anyone who shares his advocacy, whether aligned with the administration or the opposition.

It can be recalled that after Vice President Sara Duterte declared her intention to run for president in the next election, several names have surfaced as possible contenders against her in the 2028 national elections. 

Among the names mentioned as possible challengers are former Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and others.

“Well, ito masabi ko, best of luck ang wish ko kay VP at sa lahat ng mga naga-aspire na maging kandidato for the presidency sa 2028. All of them, “ the senator said.

(Well, all I can say is I wish the Vice President and everyone aspiring to run for president in 2028 the best of luck. All of them.)