In a political climate marked by tensions and controversy, Vice President Sara Duterte has maneuvered through allegations and challenges as she sets her sights on the presidency of the Philippines. Recent events have underscored her complicated position in the nation’s political landscape.

Biography of Sara Zimmerman Duterte

Sara Zimmerman Duterte, born to former President Rodrigo Duterte, is a significant figure in Philippine politics. As the daughter of the controversial leader known for his strict and often brutal policies, Sara made a name for herself in her own right. She served as the Vice Mayor and later as Mayor of Davao City, where she initiated several programs aimed at community development. Her ascent to the vice presidency alongside Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022 under the “Uniteam” alliance was seen as a strategic collaboration of two powerful political dynasties, aiming to reclaim the leadership dynasties had held in the country for decades. This alliance quickly propelled her into the national spotlight, aligning her legacy with that of her father.

Tensions and Impeachment Proceedings

However, the harmony of this political alignment began to fray as Duterte faced multiple impeachment complaints that became a hot topic in early 2025. Allegations against her included conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos Jr. and involvement in extrajudicial killings—serious charges that have resonated within both political and civil society circles. During a press conference, Duterte’s comments regarding hiring an assassin to target Marcos and other officials were particularly shocking, sparking investigations and outrage across the nation.

Duterte remarked that her statements were taken “maliciously out of logical context,” according to legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, who noted that while no criminal charges could be brought against her due to the conditional nature of her threats, they could carry significant political ramifications.

The National Bureau of Investigation has taken action by filing cases against her for inciting to sedition and grave threats, showcasing the urgency of the political atmosphere. The allegations and findings from the ongoing House committee hearings have led to multiple articles of impeachment being filed, culminating in a significant political fallout.

The Senate Showdown

As the impeachment progressed, lawmakers rallied, with 215 members voting in favor of advancing the complaint to the Senate—a historic move marking the first impeachment of a sitting vice president in the country. What lies ahead is a potential Senate trial where a two-thirds majority is needed for conviction. The implications of this trial are considerable, especially given the stakes involved in the upcoming 2028 presidential election.

Duterte’s relationship with Marcos has seemed increasingly strained, with the president removing her from the National Security Council and the escalation of their public disputes exemplifying this divide. The former president’s remarks and allegations against Marcos have further complicated the political dynamic, raising questions about the sustainability of their alliance.

Setting Sights on 2028

Despite the controversies surrounding her, Duterte has emerged as a leading contender for the presidency in the 2028 elections, with opinion polls suggesting she commands significant support among voters. As speculation around her political future continues, analysts have noted that the ongoing turmoil could either hinder or bolster her ambitions, depending on how the impeachment trial unfolds and the public’s response to the proceedings.

According to a recent poll reported by TIME, Sara Duterte is seen as the frontrunner for the presidency, indicating a robust political survival instinct that resonates with many Filipinos. While questions about ethics and governance linger, her positioning reflects a complex interplay of public sentiment and political strategy.

Conclusion

As the country braces for the upcoming Senate trial and continues to analyze the impeachment fallout, all eyes will remain on Sara Duterte. Her journey through scandal, public scrutiny, and political ambition encapsulates the narrative of a nation entangled in legacy, power, and the ever-shifting sands of Philippine politics.

Sources:

  1. TIME Article:
    de Guzman, Chad. “In Philippine Presidential Polls Looking to 2028, Duterte’s Daughter Is Already the Frontrunner.” TIME, 26 Jan. 2024. time.com.
  2. Government Biography:
    “Biography of Sara Zimmerman Duterte.” Official Government of the Philippines, gov.ph.
  3. Rappler Article:
    Villanueva, Gillian, Krixia Subingsubing, and Nestor Corrales. “Edsa Rallies Hit Inaction on VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Raps.” Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1 Feb. 2025.
  4. Associated Press Article:
    Gomez, Jim. “Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Resigning from Posts in Marcos’ Cabinet as Alliance Flounders.” Associated Press, 19 Jun. 2024.
  5. Al Jazeera Article:
    Aspinwall, Nick. “Sara Duterte-Carpio: Feud Puts Spotlight on Philippines’ Vice President.” Al Jazeera, 15 Feb. 2024.
  6. Fulcrum Article:
    Arugay, Aries A. “A Return to Political Chaos? The Philippines’ Impeachment Saga.” Fulcrum, 10 Mar. 2025.
  7. WPS News Article:
    Requiroso, Kelvene. “We’ll See How Duterte’s Impeachment Trial Goes.” WPS News, 14 Feb. 2025. wps.news.
  8. OCCRP Article:
    Ramos, Nicolas Lesenfants. “Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte Impeached Over Assassination Plot, Corruption.” OCCRP, 6 Feb. 2025.
  9. SunStar Article:
    Peralta-Malonzo, Third Anne. “‘No Criminal Charge’ Could Be Made vs Sara Duterte Over Kill Remark.” SunStar, 14 Feb. 2025.

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