In the last presidential election, many of us had high hopes that Sara Duterte would run for the highest position in the land. As the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, she carried with her the legacy of a strong and often controversial leadership. Her father was known for his firm hand, his no-nonsense approach to governance, and his relentless focus on law and order. Despite criticism from various groups, many ordinary Filipinos saw real changes during his term—roads were built, drug problems were addressed aggressively, and government processes became more responsive in many areas. Naturally, many hoped that Sara would take the baton and continue the momentum. But instead of running for president, she chose to run for vice president alongside Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. That decision changed the course of our country’s leadership and future.
Sara Duterte was, and still is, seen by many as a capable, grounded, and strong-willed public servant. As mayor of Davao City, she proved that she could lead with intelligence, balance, and a sense of discipline. She wasn’t merely riding on her father’s popularity—she carved out her own identity in politics. People noticed how she was able to manage a major city and make decisions independently, even if it meant going against her father when necessary. That kind of maturity and independence is rare in politics. It made her a standout and a favorite for many who were hoping for continuity, not chaos, after the elder Duterte’s term.
When she filed her candidacy as vice president instead of president, there was disappointment in the air. It felt like a missed opportunity. She had the charisma, the competence, and the track record that made people believe in her. Some say she didn’t want to run head-on against powerful political alliances, while others believe it was a calculated move for the future. Whatever the reason, her absence in the presidential race left a gap—one that was ultimately filled by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. At first, many still clung to hope, believing that his partnership with Sara signaled a commitment to continue the progress of the Duterte administration. But as the new administration unfolded, those hopes began to fade.
What followed was not the continuity many expected, but a presidency that promised unity and delivered something else entirely. Bongbong Marcos Jr. may have won the presidency with the help of Sara Duterte’s popularity and the Duterte legacy, but what unfolded felt like betrayal. Rather than working alongside Sara in true partnership, he sidelined her. The “Uniteam” was supposed to be a genuine alliance. Instead, it became a fractured arrangement where political convenience took priority over public service. Marcos Jr. distanced himself from the very administration that helped bring stability and order to the nation. In doing so, he also distanced himself from the expectations of millions who believed he would carry forward the Duterte brand of leadership.
Worse still, the promise of development has been replaced by an over-reliance on short-term, unsustainable programs. Ayuda, or financial assistance, is being handed out left and right—not as emergency support but as a form of political strategy. This kind of approach may win temporary loyalty, but it does not build a future. What the country needs are long-term, job-generating projects. We need roads, bridges, public transport, healthcare systems, and strong education programs. We need investment in industries, not constant cash relief that keeps people dependent. Giving money is easy. Creating meaningful work is harder but far more valuable.
Sara Duterte, had she been president, would have likely focused on infrastructure and job creation, just as her father did with the Build, Build, Build program. She understands that people need opportunities, not handouts. Her style of governance has always been about empowering citizens, not keeping them dependent. She knows that real development happens when people feel secure, when they are able to work with dignity, and when government is felt not just in aid but in everyday improvements to life. In her leadership, there is clarity of direction and seriousness of purpose—something this administration sorely lacks.
The public trust that helped Marcos Jr. rise to power is slowly eroding. People are no longer blind to the disconnect between promises and delivery. The flashiness of campaigns has faded, and reality has settled in. People feel the pain of inflation, the stagnation of wages, and the inefficiency of basic services. Meanwhile, the spotlight remains fixed on political events, foreign travels, and superficial announcements. Real issues—those that affect every Filipino home—are not being addressed with urgency. In contrast, Sara Duterte has remained relatively quiet but purposeful. She doesn’t chase attention; she focuses on action. That’s the kind of leadership people are starting to crave again.
It is not too late to change course. The next presidential election offers a second chance—a chance to choose differently, to choose better. If Sara Duterte runs for president, she will carry not only the strength of her father’s legacy but also her own proven leadership. She will carry the hopes of millions who want a government that delivers, not just speaks. A leader who will defend the nation’s dignity, not compromise it. A leader who will prioritize work, infrastructure, education, and safety over political gimmicks. We need someone who can stand up for the Philippines, not bow down to foreign interests or political puppeteers.
What we need now is real unity, not one based on slogans but on shared goals. The “Uniteam” we were promised was never truly united. It was a political deal, not a moral contract. But the people deserve better. They deserve a leader who stands firm in the face of challenges, who respects the contributions of those who came before, and who leads not for personal gain but for national good. Sara Duterte has shown that she can be that kind of leader. She has the character, the courage, and the competence. She leads with both head and heart.
Filipinos are resilient, but we are tired of being disappointed. We are tired of being used every election cycle only to be forgotten the day after. We don’t need perfection. We just need honesty, direction, and dedication. In Sara Duterte, we see a possibility—a chance for a more focused, fair, and fearless government. A government that doesn’t make excuses, but makes things happen. A government that listens, acts, and delivers.
The journey is far from over. The wounds of the past few years are still fresh, but the hope for a better future is alive. We must remember what was promised and compare it to what was delivered. We must ask ourselves what kind of country we want to live in—one led by handlers and hidden agendas, or one led by conviction and care. Sara Duterte may not have become the president we wanted in 2022, but she might still become the president we need in 2028.
Let us be wiser next time. Let us be bolder. Let us not allow charm to cover weakness, or speeches to replace service. Let us choose someone who has walked the talk. Someone who respects the people and fears no challenge. Someone who puts the Philippines first.
Let us choose better. Let us choose Sara Duterte.
