“The coming months will determine whether she can halt her declining support and reclaim her position as a viable presidential contender”
SARA Duterte, once a formidable figure in Philippine politics, is experiencing a significant decline in popularity.
Recent surveys show her satisfaction ratings have plummeted from +63 in March 2024 to +44 in June, indicating growing disillusionment among Filipinos.
This decline is not a result of random fluctuations but a series of political missteps that have eroded public trust.
From highs to lows
Following her father Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, Sara was seen as his natural successor.
As Davao City mayor, she inherited much of his political capital, especially in Mindanao and the Visayas.
Her decision to run for Vice President in 2022 was perceived as a strategic move towards the presidency, and her early popularity seemed to confirm this path.
However, recent surveys show a sharp decline in her approval, even in her stronghold of Mindanao.
Several key issues have contributed to her declining ratings, raising serious concerns about her leadership:
“Designated Survivor” Comment: Duterte’s remark about being the “designated survivor” during President Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address was widely criticized as insensitive and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the Constitutional role. This gaffe raised doubts about her preparedness for higher office.
Ineffective Crisis Response: Sara’s perceived lack of action during critical events, like Chinese Coast Guard aggression and Typhoon Carina’s aftermath, led to accusations of prioritizing self-promotion over governance. Her absence during these crises has not gone unnoticed by the public.
Excessive Security Detail: Her insistence on a large security detail, even more extensive than the President’s, has been seen as a sign of inflated self-importance and disconnection from ordinary Filipinos’ struggles. This display of extravagance has fueled public discontent.
Confidential Funds Scandal: Allegations of misuse of confidential funds have raised serious questions about Sara’s transparency and accountability. Her defensive stance on this issue has deepened public suspicions.
Controversial Associations: Accusations of involvement in her father’s “O-Plan Tokhang” extrajudicial killings and her ties with Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial religious figure, have tainted her reputation. While she denies these accusations, the association with such controversial figures continues to cast a shadow over her career.
“Political Harassment” Claims: Sara’s allegations of “political harassment” in response to a reduction in her security detail have been met with skepticism. Critics argue this was a distraction from more pressing issues, further damaging her credibility.
Family Feud with the Marcoses: A growing rift between the Duterte and Marcos families, exacerbated by disagreements over the International Criminal Court and accusations of political harassment, has created a volatile political environment. This feud risks further destabilizing her political ambitions.
Silence on National Issues: Her failure to take a strong stance on China’s encroachment on Philippine territory in the South China Sea has drawn significant criticism. In a time of heightened concern over national sovereignty, her silence is seen as a failure of leadership.
Promotion of Political Dynasties: Her implicit endorsement of her father and two brothers’ senatorial bids reinforces the perception that Sara is more interested in perpetuating a political dynasty than in genuine governance. This move could prove to be a significant miscalculation in a country wary of entrenched political families.
A steep climb ahead
Duterte faces an uphill battle if she wishes to remain a leading contender for the 2028 presidential election.
Her current +44 net satisfaction rating, while still “good,” could easily slip further into the “moderate” or “neutral” range if these issues are not addressed.
Her political trajectory suggests she may struggle to maintain support, especially if new controversies arise.
Path to redemption
To reverse her declining fortunes, Duterte must take decisive steps:
Embrace Transparency: Address the controversies surrounding her use of confidential funds by providing clear and transparent accounts. This would help neutralize criticism and set a new standard for accountability.
Clarify Her Position on Key Issues: Articulate a firm stance on national sovereignty, particularly regarding China’s actions in the South China Sea. Clear communication on critical issues would help restore confidence in her leadership.
Distance from Controversial Figures: Sara should consider distancing herself from controversial personalities like Quiboloy. This move could help repair her image and refocus public attention on her policy positions.
Focus on Governance: Prioritize tangible achievements in governance over symbolic gestures or political posturing. Demonstrating effective leadership, particularly during crises, is crucial to rebuilding her reputation.
Manage Family Feuds: Consider strategies for reconciliation or détente with the Marcoses. Reducing family conflicts would allow her to focus on broader governance issues and strengthen her political base.
Duterte is at a pivotal moment in her political career.
The coming months will determine whether she can halt her declining support and reclaim her position as a viable presidential contender.
While the path to redemption is narrow, it is not yet closed.
If she can demonstrate a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance, Duterte may still salvage her political career.
But with time running out and the Filipino people closely watching, the stakes have never been higher.
