Vice President Sara Duterte Launches Fiery Campaign in Manila, Targets Critics
Sara Duterte stormed through Manila’s streets this week, turning campaign rallies into personal battlegrounds against those who tried to impeach her. The Vice President didn’t hold back, using colorful language and mock impressions to attack her critics face-to-face in their own districts.
Duterte's Surprise Appearances Shake Up Manila Politics
Vice President Sara Duterte made unexpected appearances at former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s campaign events, bringing political drama to the streets of the capital. On Thursday night, she barnstormed through Tondo district, promoting “Dutert10” senatorial candidates from her father’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) party.
Though standing on Moreno’s stage, Duterte didn’t directly endorse the mayoral comeback hopeful. Instead, she threw her support behind Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s congressional candidate for Manila’s second district, former representative Carlo Lopez.
“You should choose a better face in your district. You must bring this face and this ability to the House of Representatives,” Duterte told the crowd, pointing to Lopez as her preferred candidate.
Her appearance at Moreno’s rallies raised eyebrows among political observers. Moreno’s strong standing in surveys suggests he doesn’t need Duterte’s endorsement to win, making her motivations unclear at first glance.
Personal Vendetta Takes Center Stage
The real reason for Duterte’s Manila tour quickly became apparent – revenge against those who supported her impeachment. Her first target: Manila Representative Rolando Valeriano, chairman of the House Good Government Committee that investigated her P125-million confidential fund controversy.
Duterte didn’t just criticize Valeriano’s politics – she mocked his physical appearance and voice. “I am just perplexed at your congressman. That is the face of your district, your representative at the House of Representatives. With his large neck, his voice is high pitched,” she said, even mimicking his voice on stage.
Her attacks continued the next day in Quiapo, home district of Representative Joel Chua, who led the House probe into her alleged fund misuse. Duterte’s language turned even more confrontational there.
“Putangina niya rin. Nandito ako ngayon sa distrito niya. Nagpapakilala ako sa inyong lahat, ako si Sara Duterte, kaya kong makipagaway sa kanal,” Duterte declared, using profanity and stating she could “fight anyone, even in the gutter”.
Strategic Political Moves Amid Family Tensions
While attacking her critics, Duterte also made strategic political endorsements. She notably supported Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while subtly highlighting differences between the siblings.
“Me and former president Rodrigo Duterte are different. He is not Inday Sara Duterte, while Bongbong Marcos is not Imee Marcos,” she explained to the crowd.
Duterte referenced a 2023 incident where she witnessed disagreement between the Marcos siblings over proposed changes to the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions. According to Duterte, Imee opposed these changes, calling them “dangerous”.
In a later interview, she strongly endorsed Senator Marcos: “I know how Senator Imee Marcos thinks and works. She always has a solution. She never forgets the problems of the country and never reneges on her promises. She gives solutions and she always thinks”.
Theatrical Campaign Tactics Grab Attention
Duterte’s campaign style has become increasingly theatrical. At the Quiapo rally, she brought an apple as a prop to endorse Joel Chua’s opponent, Apple Nieto. The visual aid became part of her verbal attack on Chua.
When a child asked for the apple she was holding, Duterte refused, saying it was meant for Chua in a threatening manner that suggested physical harm.
These dramatic moments have turned what would typically be routine campaign appearances into headline-grabbing events. Her willingness to use provocative language and physical props distinguishes her from more traditional campaigners.
Broader Implications for Philippine Politics
Duterte’s aggressive campaign style highlights growing divisions within Philippine politics. She openly urged Manila voters to reject administration candidates, claiming their election would reward dishonesty.
“Never reneges on her promises” – Duterte’s praise for Imee Marcos stands in stark contrast to her criticism of other politicians, including those aligned with President Marcos Jr.
Political analysts note that this public split between the Vice President and the administration marks a significant shift from the unity displayed during the 2022 elections when Duterte ran alongside Marcos Jr.
Conclusion
Sara Duterte’s Manila campaign blitz represents more than standard political endorsements – it’s a personal mission against those who challenged her authority. Her confrontational approach, colorful language, and theatrical props have transformed routine campaign rallies into dramatic showdowns.
As elections approach, Duterte’s revenge tour demonstrates how Philippine politics often becomes deeply personal. Her willingness to fight battles on her critics’ home turf shows a politician unafraid of direct confrontation, even as it raises questions about the tone and direction of national political discourse.
Reshuff PH
Latest News In The Philippines brought to you by Reshuff PH
