A spark of political intrigue has ignited a firestorm in Manila. Vice President Sara Duterte’s unexpected endorsement of Sen. Imee Marcos and Rep. Camille Villar, announced on April 21, 2025, has left Duterte loyalists reeling and the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) grappling with internal strife. The move, seen by some as a bold strategy and by others as a betrayal, has set the stage for a dramatic showdown as the May 12, 2025, midterm elections loom.
Sara Duterte, long viewed as the heir to her father’s fiery legacy, has stunned supporters by backing two figures tied to the Marcos administration. Sen. Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Rep. Camille Villar, daughter of business tycoon Manny Villar, represent a shift from the Duterte bloc’s traditional alliances. The endorsement, Sara insists, is personal, driven by a shared vision for a “peaceful and prosperous Philippines” ABS-CBN News.
The announcement came alive in a striking campaign ad titled “ITIM” (Inday Trusts Imee Marcos), where Sara and Imee, dressed in black, mourned the nation’s struggles with hunger and crime GMA News. “Itim ngayon ang kulay ng bansa sa gutom at krimen, nagluluksa,” Sara declared, her words heavy with urgency. Imee echoed, “Gutom na ang sikmura, gutom pa sa hustisya.” The ad’s dark tone and Sara’s endorsement of Imee have fueled speculation about her motives.
But the Duterte faithful are not cheering. Many see Sara’s move as a dangerous pivot toward political figures who may prioritize the Marcos administration over the Duterte legacy. Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque captured the unease, stating, “While some supporters may vote for Marcos and Villar out of respect for Duterte’s influence, differences in political alignment remain a source of tension” Philstar.
Singer-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, a Duter10 candidate, called Sara’s endorsements a “political strategy” that clashes with the official PDP-Laban slate backed by her father. “An unofficial endorsement is due to many reasons: political accommodation, personal preference, or political contingency,” Bondoc said, his words tinged with frustration. Lawyer Raul Lambino was more direct, urging loyalists to vote for the Duter10 slate: “Kami lamang ang 10 na opisyal inendorso ng dating president” Manila Times.
Political analyst Richard Mata raised concerns about Marcos’ and Villar’s loyalties, suggesting they align more with the Marcos camp than the Duterte bloc. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan President Renato Reyes was scathing, labeling the alliance “an alliance of convenience and opportunism” aimed at thwarting impeachment efforts and securing power beyond 2028 Philstar.
Key Figures and Their Stances
Name | Role | Stance on Sara’s Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
Harry Roque | Former Presidential Spokesman | Acknowledges tension; some may follow Sara’s lead but political differences persist |
Jimmy Bondoc | Duter10 Candidate, Singer-Lawyer | Views endorsement as a strategic move that contradicts PDP-Laban’s official slate |
Raul Lambino | PDP-Laban Member, Lawyer | Urges supporters to vote for the official Duter10 slate endorsed by Rodrigo Duterte |
Richard Mata | Political Analyst | Questions Marcos’ and Villar’s loyalty to the Duterte bloc |
Renato Reyes | Bagong Alyansang Makabayan President | Calls it an “alliance of convenience” to block impeachment and maintain power |
The timing couldn’t be more critical. With the midterm elections just weeks away, Sara’s endorsement has exposed deep fractures within the Duterte coalition. The Duter10 slate, officially backed by Rodrigo Duterte, includes candidates like former Sen. Gregorio Honasan and Ret. Col. Ariel Querubin, seen as loyal to the former president’s vision. Sara’s divergence has left supporters like Maria, a 35-year-old vendor from Davao, feeling betrayed: “Sara was supposed to carry her father’s fight. Now, I don’t know who she’s fighting for.”
Analysts suggest Sara is playing a long game. By aligning with Imee Marcos, who recently broke from the administration’s slate after leading an investigation into Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest INQUIRER.net, and Camille Villar, whose family wields significant influence, Sara may be building a coalition to secure her political future. Some speculate she’s hedging against impeachment threats or positioning herself for a post-2028 role South China Morning Post.
Yet, the risks are high. The backlash from PDP-Laban and loyalists could weaken the Duterte brand, which remains a potent force in Philippine politics. Recent surveys show Imee Marcos struggling in polls, and Sara’s endorsement may not guarantee a boost Politiko. Meanwhile, the Marcos administration has downplayed the rift, with Alyansa campaign manager Rep. Toby Tiangco insisting Villar remains part of their slate Philstar.
The political landscape is now a battleground of loyalties and ambitions. Sara’s move has stirred emotions, from anger to confusion, among those who once saw her as the Duterte legacy’s unwavering champion. As one supporter put it, “It feels like the ground is shifting beneath us.” With the elections fast approaching, the fallout from this endorsement could reshape alliances and redefine the Duterte-Marcos rivalry.
For now, the nation watches as Sara Duterte walks a tightrope. Will her gamble pay off, or will it fracture the very base that propelled her to power? The answer lies in the ballots cast on May 12, but one thing is certain: Philippine politics has never been more unpredictable.
