Sara Duterte-Carpio Taps the Oath and Rides the Unity Wave
In a bustling ceremony in her hometown of Davao, the 44‑year‑old daughter of former Philippine giant Rodrigo Duterte stepped into the role of the country’s 15th vice‑president. Her oath‑taking was a family affair—her parents sat side‑by‑side, turning a personal milestone into a national celebration.
What the Maiden VP Says About the Road Ahead
During her inaugural speech, Sara brushed aside the frayed edges of a polarised election and pitched a rallying cry for unity.
“The days ahead may look like a wild rollercoaster, but it’s up to us to strap in together,” she told the eager crowd. “If we all decide to listen, we’ll steer the Philippines toward hope, safety, strength, stability—yeah, even a bit of progress.”
A Power Couple Wins the Field
Her partner in the ticket—Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—is already on-path to the presidency, with his swearing‑in set for June 30. Both tickets pulled off landslide victories, the biggest since the 80s, sweeping strong supporters into parliaments and local seats.
- Combined victory over the past two decades
- Winning promise of unity that resonated beyond the campaign trail
- Strategic alliance bringing allies into the halls of power
From Lawyer to Mayor to Vice President
Sara’s own background is interesting: she trained as a lawyer before a foray into politics in 2007. She was elected vice‑mayor of Davao—compacting 1,000 km away from Manila—then swapped into the mayor’s office in 2010, becoming the city’s first female mayor.
She had other ambitions too. “I originally wanted to be a doctor,” she says, yet found her calling in public service.
Beyond the Office
Looking ahead, Sara will also serve as Marcos’s education secretary, offering a chance to mold the next generation of Filipinos.
With a family so steeped in politics, her pledge—“If we all choose to serve and take the call seriously, the Philippines will march toward a brighter tomorrow”—is no myopic plan. It is a clarion call that hopes will live longer than the past generational conflicts.
