Sara’s game

All eyes are now again on Sara Duterte-Carpio. After firmly issuing a statement in public that she would not run for president in the upcoming election, Sara is again giving another puzzle by just withdrawing  her bid as mayor of Davao City but without giving further details as of this writing saying, “Yan lang muna.” This implies that there is another news to wait for.

Her withdrawal of her candidacy as mayor was followed by Bong Go’s declaration that he is ready to give way, maybe to give Sara the freehand to choose her running mate.  And then to the pleasant or unpleasant surprise of not a few, Manny Pacquiao visited President Duterte in Malacanang. The plot thickens.  

Now, back to Sara. One funny thing is that there are politicians -- who seem to be desperate to have a share of the limelight – declaring that Sara would run for president. They are sure about it, as sure as for the sun to shine tomorrow. Not one of them is, of course, given the blanket authority to speak on Sara’s behalf.      

People are again left guessing as to her options. She can run for president contesting the bid of similarly popular candidates such as Bongbong Marcos, Isko Moreno, Leni Robredo, Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao.

One rumor says she would be in tandem with Bongbong. She may slide down as vice president or run as president.

She has every reason to run for president as she leads in surveys. This option will sadden many of Bongbong’s loyalists who view 2022 as the finest moment for him to run for the highest post especially that he is not getting any younger. But I bet age is not their reason. It is their loyalty to him and to the Marcoses.

A vice presidential run will disappoint many of Sara diehards but maybe only after some time. The moment she calls upon them to never waiver in their support, the supporters will listen to her. Bongbong will do similar appeal should he eventually seek the vice presidency.

But what may prove to be a nightmare to the Duterte Diehard Supporters and Marcos loyalists is the prospect of the two running for the same post, the presidency. Some people see this as too far. But there is not such thing as too far in politics.

 The scenario of the two running against each other may also be the most fervent prayers of the anti-Marcos and anti-Duterte groups. Whether such prayer is heard is up to Sara and Bongbong.  

The two may be popular, but to be blunt about it, it’s Sara that carries no burden. If climbing a mountain is our analogy, Bongbong carries so heavy a luggage that he can fall anytime.

The luggage I refer to is the incessant attack on the Marcoses. However, it may also be fair for a Marcos supporter to say that despite everything that is thrown on Bongbong’s path, he remains strong.

Three days after the publication of this piece or on November 15, 2021, the long, agonizing wait will be over. Everyone waits because whether we like it or not, Sara is a game changer.

But whatever Sara’s plans are, her opponents are ready. Isko personally visited DYHP RMN Cebu and he said during my interview with him that he is prepared for any eventuality. He was beaming with confidence and he looked unfazed.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Leni Robredo, who also looked unperturbed at the prospect of Sara eventually running for president, will be in my program. Let us listen to her in the same way that we will listen to other presidential candidates.