Reversal of fortunes

It is apparent that Vice President Sara Duterte is the political beneficiary of the ongoing flood control controversy. Not only has the issue diverted public attention away from her, but it has also incapacitated — at least for now — her political opponents.

Not too long ago, she was at the center of every controversy and was, at one point, the most vilified public figure in the country. She was expected to be impeached, convicted and perpetually disqualified from holding office.

Today, she remains the most trusted national official and is widely seen as a strong contender for the presidency. While her victory is far from guaranteed, given that early frontrunners historically do not win, she has a solid base of supporters who are expected to vote for her regardless of circumstances.

Former Speaker Martin Romualdez, on the other hand, was once poised to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He went to great lengths, even allegedly using resources of the House of Representatives, to weaken what he viewed as the biggest threat to his candidacy. He now finds himself in a precarious situation that he may not be able to escape. His allies are in similar predicaments, with Zaldy Co now considered a fugitive from justice.

President Marcos was initially perceived as a reformist. As the first chief executive to publicly expose alleged wrongdoing within his own administration, he entered uncharted territory and earned public praise. Given the magnitude and complexity of the flood control controversy, however, he is struggling to deliver on his promises as new issues continue to emerge and hamper ongoing investigations.

Critics have used the situation to question his credibility, with some accusing him of orchestrating the entire affair. The attacks have contributed to a historic decline in his trust and approval ratings.

With the next presidential election drawing near, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the political landscape. Will Sara Duterte emerge victorious? What will become of Romualdez? And how will other potential candidates, currently silent, position themselves once the campaign season begins?

For now, everything remains uncertain.