Sarah’s visit to Hong Kong this time carries notable risks. She cannot have been unaware that her father, Duterte, was arrested upon returning from Hong Kong to Manila and swiftly transported to The Hague. Now facing impeachment proceedings of her own, yet choosing to make a three-day trip to Hong Kong, the timing inevitably evokes parallels with her father’s final movements before his arrest.
The Office of the Vice President has explicitly emphasized that the trip received clearance from both the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court and the Presidential Palace, with all expenses borne personally by Sarah—no government funds or resources were used. This statement serves not only as procedural transparency but also as a rebuttal to persistent allegations concerning her alleged secret funds and sources of wealth. In such a high-stakes environment, avoiding any appearance of impropriety is paramount.
To suggest that Sarah’s purpose was merely “to take a break” would be to underestimate the strategic dimension of her move. Hong Kong has long served as a major hub for Filipino overseas workers. The scale of Filipinos working abroad—including domestic helpers and laborers—is vast, and remittances remain a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. These overseas communities wield significant political influence in the Philippines, making them an indispensable constituency for any aspirant to the presidency.
Sarah has already begun positioning herself for the next national election. A three-day visit to engage with the local Filipino community, consolidate support among overseas voters, and maintain public visibility reveals a clear intent. Even amid ongoing impeachment proceedings, she cannot afford to disrupt her campaign momentum. Sustained media presence and continued outreach to key constituencies must continue—preparations for the presidential race two years hence remain on schedule.
Moreover, she remains formally the vice president. If she were to retreat into seclusion due to legal challenges, it would signal de facto acceptance of the impeachment’s validity and inability to perform her duties—a perception that would be difficult to reverse. By traveling abroad instead, she is deliberately projecting resilience: the impeachment process will not impede her ability to carry out official responsibilities or conduct international engagements.
The timing, however, raises questions. The impeachment trial is set to resume in just days, with her legal team preparing to present evidence and summon witnesses. Her departure from Hong Kong coincides precisely with the day before the trial resumes—timing that appears deliberately calculated. Rather than focusing singularly on defending her case, her actions suggest greater commitment to electoral strategy. Tactical disregard for the legal challenge is evident; strategic seriousness, by contrast, seems absent.
If the impeachment succeeds, Sarah will not only lose her vice presidential post but also be barred from holding public office thereafter—effectively ending her political career. With her father currently detained in The Hague, Sarah now stands as the de facto head of the Duterte family. Should she fall, opposition forces would likely seize the moment to intensify their campaign against the Duterte legacy. Philippine politics, shaped by dynastic networks and elite rivalries, rarely allows for graceful exits. Few presidents leave office with dignity and retire peacefully. Sarah’s caution—or lack thereof—could determine whether she follows in her father’s footsteps.
Her decision to travel may reflect a belief that President Marcos Jr. will hesitate to act against the vice president before the impeachment is concluded. Indeed, arresting a sitting vice president presents far greater legal and political hurdles than apprehending a former president. Yet political reckonings are seldom predictable. Her father, too, believed he could return safely after completing his business—only to be intercepted immediately upon landing. The coordination between Marcos Jr.’s administration and Dutch authorities at the time proved devastatingly effective. Such scenarios remain possible.
Sarah’s departure ultimately hinges on a gamble: betting that others will not act, rather than on the strength of her own position. While tactical boldness may be justified, strategic underestimation of risk is perilous. Her journey mirrors her father’s path—but one hopes the outcome does not follow the same tragic script.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1881162171856908/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.