Despite their avowals that they have no intentions of running for the highest position in the land, Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Martin Romualdez can't seem to get out of their usual suspects' role in the runup to the 2028 presidential elections.

The unfolding intramurals between the erstwhile major characters in the highly successful UniTeam of 2022 reflect the complex interplay of personalities, ambitions, and alliances in the political landscape akin to a strategic chess game with players maneuvering for position and power.

The UniTeam alliance, a political force formed by the union of Bongbong Marcos, scion of the Marcos-Romualdez dynasty, and Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, captured the imagination of many Filipinos. The alliance, seemingly forged to consolidate political power and appeal to a broad voter base, however, has faced internal challenges that threaten its cohesion.

At the heart of the matter lies the question of leadership. Both Marcos and Sara command significant political followings, and the dynamics of their partnership have sparked speculation about who would be the standard-bearer in the 2028 elections. The struggle for dominance within the UniTeam has led to internal discord, with factions aligning themselves with either the Marcos/Romualdez or Duterte camp, intensifying the already intricate political landscape.

Romualdez, cousin of the incumbent, has emerged as a key player in the unfolding drama. Widely regarded as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, Romualdez's ambitions have put him in a delicate position within the UniTeam alliance. As the dynamics shift, Romualdez must carefully navigate the political waters to maintain influence and secure his position as a formidable contender.

Romualdez's strategic maneuvers have not been without controversy. His alleged ambition to vie for the presidency in 2028 has raised eyebrows within the UniTeam alliance, speculating a possible rift with Sara, whom he even endorsed heavily at the height of the 2022 campaign. 

As Romualdez seeks to strengthen his political standing, he must tread carefully to avoid alienating key figures within the alliance while simultaneously positioning himself as a viable presidential candidate.

Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a political veteran with a wealth of experience, has added another layer of complexity to the unfolding scenarios. Serving as an adviser to Sara Duterte, Arroyo's influence is undeniable. However, her removal from the position of Deputy Speaker by Romualdez has created tension within political circles.