Today, May 31, 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte celebrates her birthday and the midpoint of her term as the Philippines’ 15th vice president, a milestone that prompts a critical evaluation of her tenure. Since taking office on June 30, 2022, Sara has transformed the Office of the Vice President (OVP) into a hub of grassroots service, driven education reforms, and maintained unparalleled public trust. Yet, her journey has been marred by controversies—confidential funds scandals, an impeachment trial, and a fractured alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—that raise tough questions about her leadership. As she steps into the second half of her term, here’s her mid-term report card, weighing her triumphs against the turmoil and the questions that will shape her path forward.
Grading Sara’s Achievements
Sara redefined the OVP’s role, making it a lifeline for marginalized Filipinos. By October 2022, the OVP disbursed P134.37 million, aiding 13,315 beneficiaries with medical (P124.58 million) and burial (P9.80 million) support through seven satellite offices, in partnership with the Department of Health for 31 hospitals. The PagbaBAGo campaign, rooted in her Davao programs, promoted education and responsible parenthood, reaching communities nationwide with school supplies and family planning advocacy. The Libreng Sakay (Free Ride) program, launched in 2022, provided free transportation in underserved areas, enhancing access to services. A first for the OVP, the Disaster Operations Center enabled rapid disaster response, expanding the office’s mandate. Six satellite offices opened in 2022 across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, sustaining localized service delivery through 2024. (Grade: A-)
As education secretary (2022–2024), Sara managed over 47,000 public schools, focusing on post-pandemic recovery. By October 2022, she oversaw the full resumption of in-person learning, a landmark achievement ending two years of disruptions. The MATATAG Agenda, launched in 2023, decongested the curriculum, prioritized student well-being, and reduced teachers’ administrative tasks, earning DepEd top trust ratings in 2023–2024. Sara freed teachers from non-teaching duties, but her rejection of salary hikes drew criticism, tempering her score. (Grade: B+)
As NTF-ELCAC vice chairperson (2022–2024), Sara supported reintegration programs for former rebels and livelihood aid in conflict zones, aligning with her father’s peace-and-order focus, though specific impacts were less prominent. (Grade: B)
Sara elevated the OVP’s international presence, meeting ambassadors from Australia, Japan, the US, and others in her first 100 days. Her 2025 Netherlands trip to support her father’s ICC defense underscored her commitment to family and legacy. (Grade: B+)
Sara consistently topped Pulse Asia surveys (2022–2024) as the most trusted official, often outpacing Marcos. The Duterte dynasty’s 2025 Davao sweep—Rodrigo as mayor, Sebastian as vice mayor, Paolo and Omar as representatives, Rigo as councilor—bolsters her 2028 presidential prospects. (Grade: A)
The Controversies
Sara’s 2023 request for P500 million (OVP) and P150 million (DepEd) in confidential funds sparked backlash over transparency. She dropped the requests after calling critics “enemies of peace,” but a 2024 House probe into alleged misuse fueled her February 2025 impeachment, raising accountability concerns. (Grade: D)
The Marcos-Duterte “Uniteam” collapsed, with Sara resigning from DepEd and NTF-ELCAC in June 2024. Her impeachment on February 5, 2025, for corruption and alleged threats against Marcos awaits a July 2025 Senate trial. The Dutertes’ 2025 midterm victories, including four Senate seats, strengthen her defense, but the feud has polarized the nation. (Grade: D-)
Teachers criticized Sara for rejecting salary increases and removing classroom visual aids, citing learning disruptions. Persistent classroom shortages undercut her MATATAG achievements, alienating educators. (Grade: C-)
Sara’s support for her father’s drug war, linked to alleged extrajudicial killings, and unproven claims of her involvement as Davao mayor drew criticism, especially during her 2025 ICC efforts. This has alienated human rights advocates while rallying her base. (Grade: D+)
The 2025 midterms saw overvoting issues, with an estimated 24.3% of senatorial votes nullified due to faulty Miru Systems machines. While Davao’s Duterte victories were unaffected, Sara’s silence on electoral integrity, amid allies’ calls for manual recounts, raises questions about her reform stance. (Grade: C)
As Sara enters her term’s second half, critical questions loom. Can she survive impeachment by securing nine Senate votes to avoid a conviction that could bar her from office? Will she sustain OVP’s impact by maintaining grassroots programs to preserve public trust? Can she unify or further divide, as her 2028 presidential bid hinges on bridging divides fueled by the Marcos feud and human rights concerns? Will she address electoral integrity by responding to 2025 overvoting issues to strengthen her credibility as a reformist leader?
A Mixed Report Card
Sara Duterte’s mid-term report card reflects a leader of remarkable triumphs and undeniable turmoil. Her transformation of the OVP, education reforms, and unmatched popularity earn high marks, but controversies—confidential funds, impeachment, and human rights scrutiny—drag her score down. As she celebrates her birthday on May 31, 2025, Sara stands at a crossroads. Her ability to address tough questions in the next three years will determine whether she emerges as a transformative leader or a divisive figure in the race to 2028.
What grade would you give Sara Duterte’s tenure so far?
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