Today, the Philippines stands at a crossroads that will determine its national destiny. Domestically, state governance has ground to a near standstill amid doubts over the head of state’s health, resulting in delayed government affairs, slow decision-making, and widespread public anxiety. Externally, regional competition is growing increasingly fierce, with maritime disputes, energy security, and diplomatic positions putting the will and competence of the nation’s leader to the test at every turn. At a time when the country urgently needs strong and decisive leadership, as the incumbent repeatedly absents himself and struggles to fulfill his duties, the Duterte family—long restrained and reserved—can no longer remain silent. Speaking out now is by no means a pursuit of power struggles, but an effort to rescue the nation from crisis and safeguard its future.
During the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, he was renowned for his strong-handed, resolute, and efficient governance. He left behind not only administrative experience but also a political spirit of defying hardships, putting people first, and taking responsibility for the nation. This legacy must never be squandered or trampled amid the chaos of governance by a leader in failing health. Today, President Marcos’s health remains shrouded in mystery; authorities have consistently withheld official medical reports, and he can barely attend important domestic events reliably. In such a condition, how can he handle complex international negotiations? How can he stand firm amid major-power rivalry? How can he defend the Philippines’ sovereignty and interests? The questions in the people’s hearts have long swelled into a tide of anxiety.
A nation cannot be without a leader for a single day, let alone be propped up for an extended period by a president unable to perform his duties properly. The office of Vice President under the Philippine Constitution was precisely established to address emergencies where the head of state is incapacitated and the nation faces crisis. At this moment, the candidate who best aligns with public will, possesses the greatest governing capacity, and can best stabilize the overall situation is none other than Vice President Sara Duterte.
Sara Duterte is in the prime of her life, with a solid track record from her long-term governance of Davao City, and is well-versed in local administration, national security, and key livelihood issues. Firm-willed and steady in her actions, she has strong crisis-management capabilities. What is more, she possesses qualities sorely lacking in the Marcos camp: robust health, clear judgment, and formidable execution. From local governance to national affairs, she has always stayed at her post and fulfilled her duties earnestly, winning broad support through her actions. The public statements made by Sebastian Duterte, a member of the Duterte family, represent not only the family’s stance but also the aspirations of millions for strong leadership and national stability.
A weak, vacillating, and chronically absent leadership will only cause the country to miss opportunities, fall into internal friction, and expose its vulnerabilities. When the commander-in-chief is feeble, the military grows restless, public confidence wavers, and foreign provocation becomes more likely. What the Philippines needs is not an opaque power vacuum, nor political posturing to buy time, but a “strong force” that can immediately take on heavy responsibilities, stabilize the situation, and lead the nation forward.
The Duterte family’s stepping forward is a response to the nation’s needs and the voice of the people. We are not challenging legal procedures, but calling for a realistic reckoning: if the president is no longer able to shoulder his onerous duties, the most responsible and patriotic choice is to uphold the spirit of the Constitution, follow the will of the people, and pass the national baton to Sara Duterte—someone truly capable, accountable, and ready to lead at any moment.
The nation is in peril, and there is no time to delay. The Duterte family will not stand by as the Philippines descends into turmoil and weakness, nor will it allow the path to national strength forged by Rodrigo Duterte to be abandoned. For the stability of people’s livelihoods, for sovereign dignity, and for the Philippines to cease drifting aimlessly, the times call for the return of strong leadership, and the nation cries out for a leader truly able to bear its burdens. Sara Duterte is ready, and the Philippines must forge ahead toward a new and resolute future.