The Philippine political landscape is currently undergoing a seismic upheaval that threatens to rewrite the rules of governance and power in the country. In a development that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power, emerging reports suggest that Vice President Sara Duterte is allegedly teetering on the edge of resignation. Sources close to the situation claim that the Vice President is deeply dismayed and unable to cope with the “shame” of recent political failures, specifically the lackluster turnout of supporters in what were supposed to be massive protest rallies. The narrative of invincibility that once surrounded the Duterte brand appears to be crumbling, with insiders suggesting that the overwhelming pressure and the apparent rejection by significant sectors of the public have pushed the Vice President to consider stepping away from her position entirely. This potential exit creates a vacuum that is rapidly being filled by even more controversial and alarming proposals.

The backdrop to this brewing resignation rumor is the reported failure of the “Marcos Resign” movement to gain significant traction. According to political observers, the anticipated waves of supporters expected to flood the streets from November 16 to 18 largely failed to materialize. The situation has reportedly become so dire for the opposition camp that influential religious organizations, such as the Iglesia ni Cristo, have allegedly barred political agitators from hijacking their gatherings, refusing to let their events be used as platforms for anti-administration rhetoric. This loss of momentum has purportedly demoralized the Vice President, leading to the explosive speculation that she is ready to “say goodbye” to her post to stop the political bleeding and allow the country to move forward without the constant friction of the Uniteam breakup.

However, as the Duterte camp reportedly weakens, a far more complex and potentially dangerous plot has surfaced from the shadows, known as the “Military Backed Reset.” This proposal, which is reportedly gaining whispers among retired military officers and elite power brokers, suggests a radical departure from the constitutional process. The argument presented by these groups is that while the public may be dissatisfied with President Marcos Jr. due to allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement, they are equally unwilling to see a return to the previous administration’s style or support a military junta. The proposed solution is a “caretaker government,” but with a twist that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum: the installation of a non-politician, specifically a billionaire tycoon, to run the country like a corporation.

The figure at the center of these swirling rumors is none other than Ramon S. Ang, the President and CEO of San Miguel Corporation. Proponents of this “Military Reset” argue that the country’s economic woes require the steady hand of a successful businessman rather than a traditional politician. They believe that an outsider with a proven track record of managing vast empires could stabilize the plummeting peso and invigorate the economy. This “businessman savior” narrative is being pushed as a viable alternative to the current political gridlock, appealing to those who are desperate for financial relief and disillusioned with the status quo. However, this proposition has triggered an immediate and fierce backlash from constitutionalists and political rivals alike.

Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, the Vice President’s brother, has been one of the first to vocalize strong opposition to this “Military Backed Reset.” In a sharp rebuke, he labeled the proposal as “outright unconstitutional,” arguing that there is no legal basis for bypassing the Vice President in the line of succession. His reaction highlights the deep fractures within the political elite; while the Dutertes may be at odds with the current administration, they are equally threatened by a move that would sideline their family entirely in favor of an unelected oligarch. The idea that a group of military officers could simply “reset” the government and hand power to a businessman is being viewed by many as a soft coup, a maneuver that undermines the very foundations of democracy under the guise of national salvation.

Critics of the Ramon Ang proposal are digging into history to warn against the dangers of merging state power with corporate interests. They point to the controversial legacy of the Coco Levy Fund, reminding the public of how levies collected from poor coconut farmers were allegedly used to fund the expansion of San Miguel Corporation during the tenure of Danding Cojuangco and the elder Marcos. The concern is that placing a tycoon in the highest office would result in policies that favor big business at the expense of the common people. Skeptics argue that a businessman’s primary loyalty is to profit and shareholders, not to the welfare of the citizenry. They cite environmental issues associated with massive infrastructure projects, such as the reclamation activities in Bulacan, as evidence that corporate leaders often prioritize development over ecological balance and community well-being.

Furthermore, the concept of a “Military Reset” sets a dangerous precedent for the role of the armed forces in a democratic society. The Philippine Constitution mandates that the military must remain neutral and outside of political maneuvering. By actively pushing for a specific leader or a change in government structure, these factions are flirting with insubordination and threatening the stability of the republic. The fear is that if this “reset” is allowed to gain traction, it would normalize the idea that the military can intervene whenever they deem the civilian government incompetent, effectively holding the nation hostage to the whims of men in uniform and their wealthy backers.

The rumors of Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation and the simultaneous rise of the “Military Reset” narrative suggest that the Philippines is at a critical crossroads. On one hand, there is a weakened administration facing allegations of corruption and incompetence; on the other, a fractured opposition that seems to have lost its connection with the masses. Stuck in the middle are the Filipino people, who are now being presented with a “third option” that promises stability but demands the surrender of democratic choice. The push to install a “caretaker” leader is a symptom of a political system in deep crisis, where trust in elected officials has eroded to the point that dangerous shortcuts are being considered as viable solutions.

As these rumors continue to circulate, the public is urged to remain vigilant and critical. The allure of a “quick fix” provided by a wealthy tycoon or a military intervention often masks the long-term erosion of rights and freedoms. History has shown that when the lines between government, military, and big business become blurred, it is the ordinary citizen who suffers the most. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Philippines will uphold its constitutional processes or succumb to a power play that serves the interests of the few at the expense of the many. The “shame” felt by the Vice President may be personal, but the potential shame of a nation allowing its democracy to be hijacked would be a collective tragedy of historic proportions.