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The 2028 War Begins: Inside PDP-Laban’s Plot to Save Sara Duterte

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Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

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The 2028 War Begins: Inside PDP-Laban’s Plot to Save Sara Duterte

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — Fabruary 10, 2025

WHAT began as whispers in backrooms has erupted into a national spectacle. The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte is more than just a legal battle—it is a clash of political titans, a test of how far institutions will bend, and a preview of the ruthless fight for the presidency in 2028.

At the heart of this unfolding crisis is PDP-Laban, the once-dominant party of former President Rodrigo Duterte, now rallying to defend his daughter. Their strategy is clear: stack the Senate with Duterte loyalists who can shield her from conviction, ensuring she remains viable for a presidential run in 2028. Yet, this move has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, galvanizing forces determined to uphold democratic norms and accountability.

Will Sara Duterte escape unscathed, propelled toward the presidency? Or will her impeachment mark the beginning of her political downfall?

The Rise and Fall of a Political Icon: A Look at Vice President Duterte’s Political Journey

Few figures in Philippine politics have risen as swiftly as Sara Duterte. As mayor of Davao City, she inherited her father’s strongman legacy, cultivating a reputation as both a pragmatic leader and an unyielding enforcer. When she became vice president in 2022, many saw her as the inevitable successor to the Duterte brand of populist politics. She enjoyed soaring popularity, with a political machine fueled by patronage, alliances, and a fiercely loyal Mindanaoan base.

But power invites scrutiny, and Sara Duterte is now at the center of a firestorm. The impeachment complaint accuses her of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds, threatening government officials—including President Marcos himself—and betraying public trust. The allegations cut deep, striking at the heart of the corruption and impunity that have plagued Philippine politics for decades.

Now, with her political survival on the line, PDP-Laban has launched a counteroffensive. Their message is simple: the impeachment is nothing more than a politically motivated attack designed to eliminate a formidable contender for 2028. The solution? Elect senators loyal to Sara Duterte, ensuring her acquittal.

PDP-Laban’s Power Play: Stacking the Senate to Secure Duterte’s Future

Impeachment trials in the Philippines are as much about politics as they are about the law. Senators serve as impeachment judges, and a two-thirds vote is needed for conviction. For PDP-Laban, the math is straightforward—if they can secure enough allies in the Senate, they can block conviction and keep Sara Duterte’s presidential ambitions alive.

But this isn’t just about the impeachment. PDP-Laban is playing a long game. They are crafting a narrative of persecution, portraying Sara Duterte as the victim of a political conspiracy orchestrated by the Marcos administration and its allies. By doing so, they seek to energize Duterte’s base and frame the upcoming elections as a battle between an embattled populist leader and a corrupt establishment.

If they succeed, the impeachment trial will become a political theater, not a pursuit of justice.

The Politics of Impeachment: Understanding PDP-Laban’s Strategy

From a purely strategic perspective, PDP-Laban’s approach is ruthlessly effective. By consolidating Senate support, they can:

  • Ensure Sara Duterte’s Acquittal: A loyal Senate majority can prevent conviction, keeping her eligible for 2028.
  • Bolster Her Image as a Political Martyr: By framing the impeachment as a witch hunt, PDP-Laban strengthens Sara Duterte’s appeal among populist voters.
  • Turn the Midterms into a Referendum: Mobilizing her base around the narrative of political persecution could boost turnout and solidify her influence in the Senate.

Already, Sara Duterte’s strong preference ratings in surveys like Pulse Asia and SWS suggest that her supporters are rallying behind her. In Mindanao, her political bastion, she remains a formidable force.

The Backlash Against PDP-Laban: A Critique of Their Strategy

Yet, PDP-Laban’s gamble is not without risk. This strategy could backfire, and for good reason:

  • It Undermines the Senate’s Credibility: If voters perceive the Senate as nothing more than a rubber stamp for Duterte loyalists, public trust in the institution could erode.
  • It Fuels Public Backlash: The call to elect Duterte’s allies could be seen as a brazen attempt to manipulate the impeachment process, alienating undecided and reform-minded voters.
  • The Evidence May Be Too Damning to Ignore: Even if PDP-Laban succeeds in electing pro-Duterte senators, the strength of the allegations—particularly the misuse of confidential funds and threats against top officials—could make it politically untenable to acquit her.

Moreover, anti-dynasty sentiment is growing in the Philippines. Many Filipinos, weary of entrenched political families, may reject the idea of yet another Duterte presidency, especially in the wake of corruption scandals.

The Impeachment’s Undercurrent: Scandals That Could Determine the Trial’s Course

Three key controversies will shape Sara Duterte’s impeachment:

  1. Misuse of Confidential Funds: The P612.5 million in questionable spending is at the heart of the case, raising serious corruption concerns.
  2. Threats Against Government Officials: Allegations of assassination threats against President Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez have rattled even Duterte’s former allies.
  3. The Duterte Family’s Pro-China Stance: With anti-China sentiment surging in the Philippines, Sara Duterte’s perceived closeness to Beijing could become a political liability.

Each of these issues has the potential to reshape public perception and tip the scales of the impeachment trial.

A Coalition of Critics: The Forces Opposing PDP-Laban’s Strategy

Recognizing the high stakes, various political and civil society groups have mobilized to counter PDP-Laban’s strategy:

  • The Marcos Administration’s Coalition: Determined to maintain control, President Marcos’s allies are fielding their own Senate candidates and campaigning for an impartial impeachment process.
  • Congressmen Who Signed the Impeachment Complaint: These lawmakers are using grassroots campaigns to educate voters about the charges against Duterte, urging them to reject pro-Duterte senators.
  • Opposition Parties: From the Liberal Party to the Makabayan bloc, opposition forces are uniting to frame the impeachment as a fight for accountability.
  • Civil Society and Media: Watchdog groups and independent journalists are closely scrutinizing the trial, ensuring that any attempts at manipulation are exposed.

The 2028 Election: Duterte’s Presidential Ambitions on the Line

At its core, this impeachment is about the 2028 presidential elections. If Sara Duterte is acquitted, she remains a formidable contender. If she is convicted, her political career could be over.

PDP-Laban, too, has much to lose. If they fail to secure a Senate majority, their influence in national politics could wane. Conversely, if they succeed, they may cement their role as kingmakers for years to come.

The Final Verdict: A Defining Moment for Philippine Democracy

PDP-Laban’s strategy is a high-stakes gamble that reflects the intersection of political survival, institutional integrity, and public accountability. It is a test of whether the Philippine Senate will function as an impartial tribunal or as a political shield. It is a test of whether voters will prioritize justice over partisanship.

Most of all, it is a test of Philippine democracy itself.

As the impeachment trial unfolds, the nation will watch with bated breath. Will Sara Duterte’s allies prevail, turning the Senate into a fortress of protection? Or will democratic institutions hold the line, ensuring that no politician—no matter how powerful—is above the law?

The answer may well determine the future of the Philippines.

Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

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