19/02/2026
I like that she is full of surprises. Many knew she was going to have a press conference. Few knew what it was about. But here we are, hours later, and the aftershocks are still aftershocking.
Predictability is not a Duterte trait. Her fatherโs entry in 2016 is instructive. It was so last minute, it was nearly late. So Inday Sara this time, announces early.
There is method to this. Conventional wisdom dictates that she lies low and avoids controversy, avoids looking like a candidate until the last minute. Keep everyone guessing.
Obviously she couldnโt keep doing that. The impeachment attempts were made (and being made) even when she hadnโt indicated a willingness to take up the candidacy for president. This admin has been undermining her since she and BBM were candidates, and the attacks came out in the open as early as 2023 when she was ambushed with snarky attacks in the House of Representatives, defending a budget the president had assured was hers.
Speaking of the House, the hesitation of many congressmen to participate in the latest attempt at impeachment might now calcify into rejections. VP has erased all doubt of her candidacy, now the peril (to them) of her taking the highest position in the land just got real.
Meanwhile, her supporters have a clear goal in the horizon and renewed zeal. This is no longer about surviving and getting by until the time comes. The time HAS come, the journey begins. And all those scattered by the hard years can now rally to her. And they โ weโ are legion.
No wonder USec Claire nearly spat out the good luck wishes. She may have been thinking that her boss (and she) could use that good luck themselves.