A whisper of anticipation turned into a roar as Vice President Sara Duterte swept into Manila, igniting the political stage with electrifying rallies. On Thursday night, April 24, 2025, she stormed Tondo district, a gritty heartland of Manila, alongside former Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, who is clawing his way back to City Hall after his 2022 presidential bid. The air crackled with urgency as Duterte, a polarizing figure, delivered a performance that was part campaign, part vendetta.
A Strategic Alliance with Isko Moreno
Duterte’s presence at Moreno’s rally was no coincidence. While she didn’t officially endorse Moreno for mayor, she showered him with praise, calling him the “most loved mayor of Manila.” “Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya dahil pinahiram nya po ang inyong entablado at mikropono para sa mga senador ng Duterte,” she said, thanking him for providing the stage, microphone, and LED wall (Rappler). This platform allowed her to champion the “Dutert10” senatorial candidates of her father’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) party, a slate she began endorsing after her father’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (Manila Bulletin).
Her primary endorsement, however, was for Carlo Lopez, Moreno’s congressional bet for Manila’s second district. “You should choose a better face in your district. You must bring this face and this ability [to the House of Representatives],” Duterte urged, positioning Lopez as a fresh alternative to the incumbent (Rappler).
A “Revenge Tour” Against Critics
Duterte’s rallies carried a darker undertone, with many labeling them a “revenge tour” against those who backed her impeachment. Her sharpest barbs were aimed at Rep. Rolando Valeriano, the reelectionist for Manila’s second district, who had spearheaded a 2024 probe into her alleged misuse of P125-million in confidential funds and voted for her impeachment. On stage, Duterte mocked Valeriano’s appearance and voice, saying, “With his large neck, his voice is high pitched. Secondly, he accused me of everything without any evidence proving it.” Her words drew cheers from the crowd but also raised eyebrows for their personal tone (Rappler).
The following day, April 25, 2025, Duterte took her campaign to Quiapo, the stronghold of another critic, Rep. Joel Chua, who led the House investigation into her fund use. In a fiery speech, she unleashed a torrent of profanity, declaring, “Putangina niya rin. Nandito ako ngayon sa distrito niya,” and introduced herself as someone ready to “fight anyone, even in the gutter” (Rappler). To endorse Chua’s opponent, Apple Nieto, Duterte wielded an apple as a prop, quipping to a child who asked for it, “Ma’am (Apple) saksak mo ito sa bibig ni Apple Chua hanggang sa kanyang lalamunan hanggang siya ay mamatay.” The dramatic gesture underscored her unapologetic style.
Championing Imee Marcos and the Dutert10
Duterte also used the rallies to boost Sen. Imee Marcos, a reelectionist and ally, distinguishing her from her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Me and former president Rodrigo Duterte are different. He is not Inday Sara Duterte, while Bongbong Marcos is not Imee Marcos,” she said. She recalled a 2023 discussion where Imee opposed opening the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions, a stance Duterte admired (Rappler). In a post-rally interview, Duterte praised Imee’s reliability: “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.”
The “Dutert10” slate, endorsed by Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, includes PDP candidates like Sens. Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go, who have risen in pre-election polls (Philstar). Duterte’s decision to campaign for these candidates was spurred by her father’s detention, a personal request she honored despite initial reluctance (Manila Bulletin).
Political Tensions and Public Reaction
Duterte’s rallies have intensified Manila’s political climate. Her attacks on Valeriano and Chua, both linked to her impeachment, highlight a broader clash between Duterte loyalists and administration allies. Valeriano responded on April 25, 2025, questioning Moreno’s alliance with Duterte and labeling him an ally of the “tokhang regime” (Rappler). The controversy has fueled debates about political decorum, with some praising Duterte’s boldness and others criticizing her rhetoric as divisive.
Moreno, running against Mayor Honey Lacuna and Rep. Sam Verzosa, benefits from Duterte’s star power, though her selective endorsements keep the focus on her own agenda. Historical ties, like Moreno’s stint as a Duterte official and past talks of a Moreno-Duterte tandem, add layers to their alliance (Rappler).
The Bigger Picture
As the May 2025 elections loom, Duterte’s Manila blitz underscores the polarized state of Philippine politics. Her rallies, blending endorsements with personal vendettas, resonate with supporters who see her as a fighter against establishment elites. Yet, they also alienate critics who view her actions as retaliatory and unbecoming of a vice president. The 2025 elections will test whether Duterte’s fiery approach can sway voters or deepen divisions.
As the May 2025 elections loom, Duterte’s Manila blitz underscores the polarized state of Philippine politics. Her rallies, blending endorsements with personal vendettas, resonate with supporters who see her as a fighter against establishment elites. Yet, they also alienate critics who view her actions as retaliatory and unbecoming of a vice president. The 2025 elections will test whether Duterte’s fiery approach can sway voters or deepen divisions.
Key Figures | Role | Duterte’s Stance |
|---|---|---|
Isko Moreno | Manila mayoral candidate | Praised as “most loved mayor” but not officially endorsed |
Carlo Lopez | Congressional bet, Manila 2nd District | Endorsed as a “better face” |
Rolando Valeriano | Incumbent Rep., Manila 2nd District | Mocked and criticized for impeachment role |
Joel Chua | Incumbent Rep., Manila 3rd District | Vilified with profanity for leading fund probe |
Imee Marcos | Reelectionist Senator | Praised as reliable and distinct from her brother |
Dutert10 | PDP senatorial slate | Championed, includes Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go |
The Manila skyline, once a backdrop to routine campaigns, now looms over a battleground where loyalties are tested, and old scores are settled. Duterte’s voice, sharp and unrelenting, echoes through the streets, signaling that the fight for 2025 has only just begun.
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