Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio, widely known as “Inday Sara,” has been a prominent figure in Philippine politics. Born on May 31, 1978, she holds the distinction of being the youngest vice president in the nation’s history. Her journey, however, has been marked by milestones, achievements, and recent controversies that have shaken the political landscape.
A Trailblazing Career
Duterte-Carpio’s rise to prominence began in her hometown of Davao City, where she served as vice mayor (2007–2010) and later as its first female mayor (2010–2013, 2016–2022). Known for her strong leadership style, she initiated programs such as “Byaheng DO30,” which targeted essential services for Davao’s residents, and “Peace 911,” an initiative aimed at resolving local conflicts.
In 2022, Duterte-Carpio made history once again, becoming the Philippines’ 15th vice president. Running alongside President Bongbong Marcos under the UniTeam alliance, their ticket won decisively, marking a new chapter in her political career. Concurrently, she was appointed as secretary of education, where she focused on reforms to address systemic challenges in the country’s education sector.
Rift in the UniTeam
While the UniTeam alliance appeared formidable during the campaign, cracks began to surface during their administration. Duterte-Carpio’s resignation from her cabinet roles in June 2024 raised eyebrows, signaling a deepening rift between her and President Marcos. By late August of the same year, Duterte openly expressed regret for supporting Marcos, marking a dramatic fallout between two of the nation’s most influential political families.
A Historic Impeachment
On February 5, 2025, the political turbulence culminated in Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment by the House of Representatives. Accusations against her remain contentious, making her the first vice president in Philippine history to face impeachment proceedings. The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a legitimate accountability process and others decrying it as politically motivated.
The Road Ahead
Sara Duterte-Carpio’s political journey reflects the complexities of power, alliances, and governance. From her groundbreaking achievements in Davao City to her tenure as vice president, she has remained a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure. As the nation watches the unfolding events, the impact of her impeachment on Philippine politics and governance remains to be seen.
This chapter in Duterte-Carpio’s career underscores the volatile nature of politics in the Philippines, where alliances can shift, and leaders are continually tested in the court of public opinion.