Sara Duterte Faces Political Crossroads Amid Feud with Marcos and Impeachment Threat

As Filipinos prepare to vote in a major Senate election, Vice President Sara Duterte—once seen as a frontrunner for the 2028 presidency—is battling to save her political future amid an explosive power struggle with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Though not on the ballot, Duterte’s fate is tied to the Senate’s next composition, which could decide whether she is impeached and permanently banned from public office.

Rising Star Turned Political Target

Sara Duterte, 46, is the eldest daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, and followed in her father’s controversial footsteps. Known for her iron will and fiery persona, she made national headlines by punching a court official during a dispute and has since been dubbed “the slugger” by local media.

After serving as mayor of Davao, she entered national politics in 2022 as Marcos Jr.’s running mate, forming an alliance between two of the country’s most powerful political dynasties. The duo won in a landslide, with Duterte initially positioned as a likely successor in 2028.

However, the alliance soon began to crumble.

From Ally to Adversary

Tensions surfaced early when Duterte was denied her preferred cabinet post as defense secretary and instead given the education portfolio. Scrutiny over her use of confidential government funds soon followed.

Matters worsened when her father, Rodrigo Duterte, publicly accused Marcos of drug use, a claim that soured ties between their camps. The First Lady openly snubbed Sara at a public event, criticizing her silence on the matter.

In July 2024, Duterte resigned from the cabinet and launched a series of shocking verbal attacks. She claimed she had discussed assassinating Marcos, his wife, and a top ally, and described their relationship as “toxic,” even fantasizing about beheading the president.

Despite the inflammatory rhetoric, her tough image continues to resonate with many Filipinos, especially in Mindanao and among overseas Filipino workers.

Facing Impeachment

In February 2025, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, citing misuse of public funds and death threats against the president. If the Senate confirms the charges with a two-thirds vote, she will be removed from office and barred from running in future elections.

Duterte has denied all allegations, calling the impeachment a political hit job.

High-Stakes Senate Race

The outcome now depends on Monday’s Senate election, where both Duterte and Marcos are backing rival slates. The results will determine whether she keeps her vice presidency—and a shot at the top office in 2028—or faces political ruin.

Beyond her personal stakes, the election will serve as a referendum on the Duterte legacy and signal whether her once unstoppable political brand still holds sway.

As tensions rise, so do the questions: Will Sara Duterte survive the storm? Or will her feud with Marcos mark the end of a political dynasty?