In the volatile and ever-shifting sands of Philippine politics, alliances are often as fragile as they are temporary. The latest tremors shaking the political landscape involve a potential rift that could redefine the upcoming electoral battles. For months, the public has witnessed what appeared to be a strengthening bond between Senator Imee Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, a partnership that seemingly transcended even the familial ties of the Marcos clan. Senator Imee, the elder sister of President Bongbong Marcos, has been notably vocal, often taking stances that align more with the Duterte camp than with her own brother’s administration. However, a fresh wave of reports and political gossip suggests a heartbreaking twist in this narrative: despite her sacrifices and fierce loyalty, Imee Marcos may not be the chosen one after all.

The core of this exploding controversy revolves around the speculated lineup for the 2028 presidential elections. While it is widely assumed that Vice President Sara Duterte will gun for the top executive post, the question of her running mate has been a subject of intense debate. Many, including perhaps Senator Imee herself, believed that the “Manang Imee” brand of loyalty would secure her that coveted Vice Presidential slot. After all, she has arguably burned bridges with her own family, allegedly criticizing the administration and echoing sentiments that undermine the President’s leadership. It was a high-stakes gamble, one that presumed a reciprocal commitment from the Duterte camp. But as the saying goes, in politics, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.

According to recent political chatter and statements attributed to key figures in Davao del Norte, there is a new name floating to the surface—a name that has caught many off guard. The buzz is that the preferred running mate for Sara Duterte is not the Senator from Ilocos, but rather the fierce and often controversial Rodante Marcoleta. Reports indicate that influential backers and constituents in the Duterte stronghold are viewing Marcoleta as the “ideal” partner who matches Sara’s leadership style. This potential pairing of Duterte and Marcoleta presents a formidable, albeit polarizing, ticket that appeals strongly to their specific base, leaving Imee Marcos potentially out of the equation entirely.

For Senator Imee, this development, if true, is nothing short of a political tragedy. Observers have pointed out the immense personal and political cost she has incurred over the past year. She has been seen as a “traitor” by some factions of the “Solid North” for her perceived attacks on the President. She has risked isolating herself from the very machinery that helped restore her family’s name to power. To do all of that, presumably to position herself as the bridge between the North and the South, only to be sidelined for another candidate, fits the classic narrative of being “used and discarded.” The pain of such a rejection would be compounded by the public nature of her previous support; she went out on a limb for an alliance that might now be leaving her hanging.

The phrase “Ginamit lang ba?” (Was she just used?) is now echoing across social media platforms and political forums. It suggests a Machiavellian strategy where Imee’s voice was utilized to fracture the Marcos administration from within, weakening the President while keeping the Duterte brand insulated. Once her utility as a disruptor is maximized, the strategy shifts to consolidating power with a running mate like Marcoleta, who brings a different kind of political utility—perhaps one that is more subservient or ideologically aligned with the Duterte vision without the baggage of the Marcos surname complications. It is a ruthless game where personal loyalty holds little value against strategic advantage.

The reactions from the public and political analysts have been a mix of shock and “I told you so.” Many netizens are expressing sympathy for Imee, noting the stinging reality of “betrayal.” The imagery used by commentators is vivid: a sister forking over her own brother, being disowned by her clan, only to find the door to the new alliance bolstered shut. It paints a picture of a solitary figure who gambled everything on a new friendship, only to find herself alone when the music stopped. The “Ouch” factor is high, with many seeing this as a harsh lesson in the unpredictability of political maneuvering.

Furthermore, the emergence of Rodante Marcoleta as a potential VP candidate signals a hardening of the opposition’s stance. Marcoleta is known for his aggressive style and his role in high-profile congressional inquiries. A Duterte-Marcoleta tandem would likely campaign on a platform of strongman leadership and radical shifts, a sharp contrast to the current administration’s approach. For Imee Marcos, who may have envisioned a unity ticket that merged the best of both worlds, this hardline turn leaves little room for her brand of diplomacy. She is left in a precarious position: estranged from the administration she helped build and rejected by the opposition she tried to court.

As the rumors continue to swirl, the question remains: What will Senator Imee Marcos do next? If the door to the Vice Presidency under Sara Duterte is indeed closed, does she attempt to reconcile with her brother? Does she run as an independent, or does she fade into the background? The “shaket” (pain) mentioned by observers is not just emotional; it is a blow to her political survival. The coming months will be crucial as alliances solidify and the true intentions of the power brokers are revealed. For now, the narrative is one of a gamble that didn’t pay off, leaving one of the country’s most powerful women facing the possibility that she was merely a pawn in a much larger game.