Vice President Sara Duterte turned 47 on 31 May — just in time for what could be her most memorable party yet: an impeachment trial.
Once touted as the queen-in-waiting of Philippine politics, Sara was the steel spine of the Marcos-Duterte alliance in 2022. She brought the votes; Bongbong brought the nostalgia.
Together, they stormed Malacañang like a movie love team on a campaign poster. Fast forward three years, and everything has curdled — soured. She’s out of the Cabinet, out of patience, and nearly out of allies.
The once little girl who punched a sheriff and made Davao her playground is now fighting for political survival. Congress — dominated by Speaker Martin Romualdez, President Marcos’ cousin — yanked her confidential funds like a parent catching a kid munching on muffins before dinner.
Then came the calls for her impeachment, fueled by allegations of abuse, threats and all the spicy drama normally reserved for teleseryes.
Still, Sara’s followers insist she’s the victim of a palace coup masked as good governance. Her enemies, many of whom once rode shotgun in her campaign convoy, now act like they’ve just discovered ethics.
And the Senate prepares for her political crucifixion, Sara’s 47th is more Greek tragedy than birthday bash. No balloons. Just subpoenas and a father detained at The Hague, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Sara once said she wasn’t interested in the presidency. Yeah, sure.
These days, she might be more concerned with keeping her current job. Political fortunes, after all, have the shelf life of unrefrigerated lechon.
So, belated happy birthday, Inday Sara. Just don’t blow out the candles too hard — you just might summon another maelstrom in the shifting sands of Philippine statecraft.