By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo
In a political landscape as dynamic and tumultuous as the Philippines, the revelation from Vice President Sara Duterte that members of her father’s senatorial slate may include PDP members seems like stating the obvious. But let’s peel back the layers of this announcement to understand the deeper, perhaps more unsettling currents at play.
For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of Philippine politics, the Dutertes are a formidable political dynasty. Rodrigo Duterte, the former president, along with his children Paolo and Sebastian, are gearing up for a major political play in the 2025 midterm elections. Their intent to run for Senate seats, potentially alongside members of the PDP-Laban party, appears straightforward. However, Sara Duterte’s declaration raises more questions than it answers.
Why make such an obvious statement? It’s no secret that Rodrigo Duterte’s ties with PDP-Laban run deep. The former president’s association with the party during his term makes the speculation about their inclusion in his slate almost redundant. This brings us to the crucial question: Why now, and why this obvious proclamation?
Firstly, it smacks of desperation. The Dutertes are seasoned political players, not prone to telegraphing their moves without a purpose. By declaring this early, they might be attempting to shore up waning support and stoke the fires of loyalty among PDP members. It’s a classic maneuver – rally the troops by announcing grand plans, even if those plans are still in the conceptual phase.
Secondly, this could be a strategic misdirection. With three Dutertes vying for Senate seats, their home base in Davao could become vulnerable. Historically, dynastic politics thrive on maintaining a stronghold in their local base while expanding their influence nationally. By focusing attention on the senatorial slate, they might be diverting scrutiny from potential vulnerabilities in Davao, where their political dominance could be eroded by rising local opposition.
Sara’s mention of her brother Baste’s presidential ambitions for 2028 and her own potential run for Davao City mayor adds another layer of intrigue. Is this a bid to consolidate power within the family, ensuring they maintain a grip on both local and national political arenas? Or is it an attempt to pre-emptively secure their future, signaling to allies and adversaries alike that the Dutertes are here to stay?
We must also consider the possibility that Sara Duterte’s statement serves a more personal agenda. In the cutthroat world of politics, staying in the public eye is crucial. By positioning herself as the spokesperson for her family’s political ambitions, she ensures her relevance and influence. This move could be a calculated effort to cement her role as a central figure in the Duterte dynasty, overshadowing her brothers and even her father in the process.
The broader implications of this revelation are significant. The Dutertes’ apparent desperation suggests a fear of losing their political clout. In a country where political fortunes can change overnight, this early declaration might be an attempt to lock in alliances and deter potential challengers.
What should be the response to this development? For the opposition and other political forces, the key lies in not being distracted by the Dutertes’ grandstanding. Instead, focus on strengthening grassroots support and addressing the issues that matter most to the Filipino people – poverty, corruption, and human rights. By doing so, they can offer a compelling alternative to the Duterte brand of politics.
In conclusion, Sara Duterte’s obvious statement is more than just a routine political announcement. It’s a calculated move in a high-stakes game of political chess. Whether it’s driven by desperation, a desire for media attention, or a strategic misdirection, it signals that the Dutertes are preparing for an intense battle. The real question is whether the Filipino electorate is ready to look beyond the rhetoric and hold their leaders accountable for their actions. As always, the true power lies in the hands of the voters.
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KWEBA ni BAROK 
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