In the realm of what-could-have-beens, Vice President Sara Duterte recently stirred the political pot by claiming that the presidency in 2022 was hers for the taking had she not prioritized “other things.”

This assertion, as dramatic as it is audacious, landed like a bombshell on an already convoluted Philippine political landscape. Whether it was an honest reflection, a calculated flex, or a throwaway comment that betrayed deep-seated regret, Duterte’s words offer a fascinating glimpse into the alternate universe where she rules as president instead of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

It’s no secret that Sara Duterte was a political force to be reckoned with long before 2022. As the popular mayor of Davao City and daughter of then President Rodrigo Duterte, she commanded a loyal base and had the machinery to run a formidable national campaign.

Polls in 2021 consistently showed her as a top contender for the presidency. Her tough-talking demeanor, echoing her father’s no-nonsense style, made her the heir apparent to Duterte Sr.’s political brand. So, when she opted to run for vice president under Marcos Jr.’s ticket instead of gunning for the presidency herself, many were left scratching their heads.

Now she finds herself in deep sh-t. Not only has she been knocked off her lofty pedestal, she has also been served an impeachment complaint that many believe should bring her to her senses.

Sara’s latest assertion that she should have been president raises several questions: What “other things” did she prioritize? Was it her personal life, her family, or a calculated decision to preserve political alliances? Or did she, like her father in 2016, keep everyone guessing until the last minute, only to pivot based on circumstances we may never fully understand?

One theory is that Sara’s decision was a strategic move to consolidate power within her family’s political dynasty. By running for vice president under Marcos Jr., she avoided splitting the so-called “solid north-solid south” coalition. A clash between the Dutertes and the Marcoses would have fractured their shared voter base, paving the way for a third-party candidate to swoop in and win. This pragmatic approach ensured a smooth transition for the alliance while giving Sara a solid platform on which to build her national presence.

But there’s a more tantalizing interpretation: Sara Duterte may have genuinely underestimated her own political capital. Despite her bold public persona, perhaps she doubted her ability to win the presidency outright. Running alongside Marcos Jr., whose name alone carries a certain nostalgic allure for many voters, might have seemed like the safer bet at the time.

Her claim that the presidency was hers all along, then, could be read as a belated acknowledgment of her own untapped potential — or a subtle jab at the Marcos administration’s performance, suggesting that she could have done better.

Indeed, this is where the narrative becomes particularly spicy. For someone who claims the presidency was within her grasp, Sara Duterte’s recent actions suggest a growing discontent with her second-in-command role. From her resignation as DepEd secretary — a move that underscored her independence — to her increasingly vocal critiques of the administration, Duterte has positioned herself as a force outside the shadow of Marcos Jr. It’s almost as if she’s saying, “I let you have this, but don’t think for a second that I can’t take it back.”

By asserting that the presidency was hers for the taking, Sara Duterte is essentially staking her claim to the future, reminding both her allies and rivals of her political might. It’s a not-so-subtle message to Marcos Jr.: I made you president, and I can just as easily unmake you.

Whether Sara could have leveraged that legacy effectively or been weighed down by its baggage is an open question. What is certain is that her brand of leadership — fierce, uncompromising, and divisive — would have shaped the country in starkly different ways.

Ultimately, Sara Duterte’s claim is both a lamentation and a warning. It’s a reminder that in politics power is rarely given — it’s taken. For now, she seems content to play the long game, but her words suggest she’s keeping her sword sharp for 2028.

The presidency, it seems, may not have been hers in 2022, but in her mind it’s only a matter of time.