Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The dramatic arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte upon his return to the Philippines has sent shockwaves through the nation and beyond. What initially seemed like a tactical victory for his adversaries may, in the grander scheme, be a strategic masterpiece—one that cements his legacy, revitalizes his political allies, and sets the stage for the 2028 elections.
A City Under Siege
Davao City, the long-standing Duterte stronghold, has been systematically dismantled:
Budget cuts have crippled local operations.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, one of Duterte’s key allies, has been detained.
Karlo Nograles is eyeing the mayoralty, signaling an attempt by the political opposition to seize control.
Allies have turned away, fearing for their own political survival.
Key Duterte supporters have been silenced, with vloggers shut down on social media and summoned to Congress.
Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, has been stripped of her budget, investigated by the QuadComm, and now faces an impeachment trial.
Despite these mounting pressures, Duterte chose to return home. The question remains—why?
A Tactical Blow, A Strategic Victory
From a tactical standpoint, the swiftness of Duterte’s arrest stunned the nation. His critics celebrated, believing that the battle was over. But when viewed from a broader lens, his surrender sets off a chain reaction of political and social upheaval.
Duterte’s legacy is now immortalized in Philippine history. If he is acquitted at the International Criminal Court (ICC), he emerges victorious. If convicted or even if he dies in detention, his narrative transforms into that of a martyr—a leader who stood his ground until the end still believing that the bloodshed he orchestrated with his minions was right.
The Aftermath: A Resurging Duterte Movement
Far from being a death knell, Duterte’s arrest has reinvigorated his base:
The rallying cry “Duterte! Duterte!” echoed in Davao, where his son, Baste Duterte, has solidified his leadership.
The opposition in Davao now faces an uphill battle, as the Duterte name continues to wield influence.
Politicians who abandoned him are now labeled as traitors, while those who remained loyal are celebrated as heroes.
The bloggers and vloggers of the Duterte camp, once silenced, have found a new sense of purpose. Public sentiment is surging, with reports indicating 70% anger over his arrest.
Spontaneous protests have erupted across the Philippines and abroad, turning the failed Maisug Rally into a more widespread and decentralized movement.
Duterte’s Senate slate has gained momentum—with Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, and their allies climbing in popularity polls. This puts the administration’s Senate lineup on the defensive.
Even within Marcos' camp, there are signs of hesitation. Some of his allies, including Senators Pia Cayetano, Cynthia Villar, and Imee Marcos, distanced themselves from the rally celebrating Duterte’s downfall. The Villar family, one of the wealthiest political clans in the country, has even hinted at displeasure over the arrest.
2025: A Political Turning Point
The upcoming 2025 midterm elections are shaping up to be a litmus test for 2028. If Duterte’s allies sweep the Senate, the impeachment case against VP Sara Duterte becomes politically unviable. Moreover, Sara Duterte is now emerging as the most preferred candidate for president in 2028, surpassing even Raffy Tulfo.
The local campaign period starts in late March—Duterte’s birthday month. His allies will seize this moment, while his detractors scramble to defend themselves.
The administration is already showing signs of unease. Recently, allowances for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were increased—a move that suggests the government is wary of dissent within the military ranks.
The Final Move: A Man in Love with Destiny
Duterte’s arrest was not the endgame—it was a calculated move. Those who underestimated him forget that his political career was built on unexpected, strategic plays.
As a 79-year-old leader, he knows that the twilight of his life is near. But he also understands that great leaders do not fade away—they leave behind a movement that transcends their lifetime.
In choosing to return despite the looming threat of arrest, he secured his place in history. The move was reminiscent of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”, where victory is achieved not through brute force, but through the ability to manipulate perception and dictate the battlefield.
In the long run, whether he is acquitted or convicted, Duterte has already won. He will either be remembered as a leader who defied the odds or a martyr who inspired a nation.
And just as he told VP Sara Duterte before his arrest—“Umuwi ka.”
The battle is far from over.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
.jpg)
Post a Comment