Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte recently stated in an interview with the media in Davao City, Cebu Province, that despite recent attacks from political opponents and social media, her approval and trust ratings have significantly increased in the latest polls, which even surprised her. Additionally, she revealed that she will travel to The Hague, Netherlands, next month to celebrate her 47th birthday with her parents.
Strong rebound in polls, strong support from the grassroots
According to the latest poll data, Sara's national approval rating jumped from 52% in February to 59% in March, and her trust rating from 53% to 61%. In response, she said, "Seeing such trust from the people amidst all these smears, I am very surprised and grateful."
Regionally, the most significant increase in support was in the Metro Manila area, which soared from 33% to 55%; her political stronghold, the island of Mindanao, remained strong at 96%, and the Visayas region at 68%. Even the traditionally lower-supported non-capital areas of Luzon Island saw an increase from 34% to 39%.
In terms of social class, the poorest E class had a high support rate of 74% (up 13 percentage points), while the middle-high income ABC class and middle-low income D class rose to 60% and 58%, respectively. In terms of trust, Mindanao had a high of 97%, and the E class led with 75% trust.
Little cousin of President Marcos might lose? Old Duterte's "prediction" comes true
Sara also took the opportunity during the interview to tease President Marcos's cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez. She stated, "I've always said that even if I don't run for president, my votes won't go to him (Romualdez), but to someone else."
This statement is interpreted as another political signal from Sara before the 2028 elections. It is generally believed in the political arena that both she and Romualdez may compete for the next presidency, but neither has officially announced their intentions yet.
It is worth mentioning that in March, before his arrest, former President Rodrigo Duterte predicted that this event would boost his daughter Sara's political reputation. Now, the poll results have confirmed this statement, and Sara responded with irony, "They should understand now. But unfortunately, only the wise can see where the votes go."
May birthday in the Netherlands, family reunion again
Apart from political topics, Sara also revealed her upcoming family itinerary. She stated that she will depart for The Hague, Netherlands, on May 31 to reunite and celebrate her birthday with her father Duterte and mother Zimmerman who are there.
"I have promised to spend every birthday with my parents, so I will fly to the Netherlands with my mom to meet my dad there," she said. "I just talked to my dad yesterday, and he said he is waiting for mom to visit him. I also told my mom that the three of us must reunite on my birthday."
