18/11/2025
Beyond the Noise: The Real Reasons Behind the Hostility Toward Sara Duterte
By: Anthony Ludalvi Vista
The dislike that some Filipinos feel toward Sara Duterte has deeper roots than many people assume. It did not start with a single controversy, and the reasons go beyond the usual headlines.
Much of the hostility is tied to long-standing political attitudes, social divisions, media resentment, and inherited grudges from the past decade. To understand why this dislike exists, we must look at what Sara represents—and what she refuses to be.
I. A Leader Who Refuses to Belong to the “Upper Circles”
One major foundation of the hostility toward Sara Duterte is her refusal to identify with the country’s upper social and political circles. For many decades, people at the top of national life believed that leaders should come from their networks or at least behave like them. They expect national officials to move in their circles, attend their gatherings, and value their approval.
Sara Duterte does none of this.
She does not try to fit into their world. She does not adjust her personality to please them. She does not seek their company or validation. She carries the same attitude her father had: that real leadership does not need acceptance from long-standing power groups in the capital.
This independence threatens those who have always believed that they are the “natural guardians” of national politics. Their discomfort often turns into hostility, expressed through personal attacks rather than honest reasons.
II. Media Resentment and the Normalization of a Negative Image
Some of the strongest hostility comes from media sectors that felt sidelined during PRRD’s administration—especially those who suffered major institutional losses. For them, the Duterte name symbolizes a time when their influence was challenged and their dominance questioned.
Even if Sara herself did not cause these events, she inherits the bitterness that certain media professionals still feel. Many narratives about her already begin from a negative frame.
But this is not just about past events. It is also about pride. The media once held a strong sense of authority over shaping public opinion. When PRRD’s popularity remained high despite negative coverage, many felt embarrassed and powerless. Sara, by association, continues to be treated as someone who broke their confidence.
This resentment appears in how stories about her are framed, repeated, or exaggerated, creating a public image that does not match the actual findings of government agencies.
III. Political Groups Who Felt “Pushed Aside” Under PRRD
During her father’s presidency, many established political families and long-time power brokers felt excluded. They were not consulted in the way they were used to. Old structures were ignored. Traditional alliances were not followed.
That period left many bruised egos.
Part of the hostility toward Sara comes from people who still carry frustration against her father but cannot confront the past. Because Sara is rising in national politics, she becomes the nearest target. Their dislike is inherited resentment disguised as political commentary.
IV. Ideological Differences With Influential Urban Groups
Sara Duterte does not follow the political style preferred by many urban, liberal, Western-leaning circles. These groups want leaders who speak in polished language, use academic framing, and present issues in a way that fits international discourse.
Sara does not follow that template. She speaks plainly, acts bluntly, and carries a local, grounded worldview. This creates ideological friction. To some, she appears “too direct.” To others, “too provincial.” But these judgments are rooted in cultural preference, not objective evaluation.
This clash of political style is a major but often unspoken reason behind the dislike.
V. Hostility From the Left
Left-leaning groups have their own historical objections to the Duterte name. Peace talks failed under PRRD. Campaigns against armed groups intensified. Many of their narratives lost public support.
Because of this, Sara is treated as part of the same political direction. The hostility toward her is predictable, even if she has her own leadership style. It is rooted in long-standing battles, not in her individual actions.
VI. Corruption Allegations Used as Convenient Justifications
Many individuals use “corruption” as their main argument against Sara Duterte. But these accusations remain unsupported by completed legal findings.
There is no COA Notice of Disallowance that names her personally.
There is no Ombudsman decision finding her guilty of any irregularity.
The claims come mostly from political rivals or critics, and those who already dislike her use these accusations as a moral excuse. It becomes easier to hate someone when one can say, “She is corrupt,” even if the evidence does not match the accusation.
In politics, stated reasons are often not the real reasons.
VII. Why Some Choose BBM Instead
Some Filipinos prefer President Marcos Jr. not because they believe he is the better choice, but because he is the more comfortable choice for those who already dislike Sara.
BBM fits neatly into the world of long-time political families, traditional institutions, and old networks of influence. He speaks gently, presents himself softly, and avoids open confrontation. He does not challenge long-held expectations about how a national leader should behave.
For people who dislike Sara, he is the safe option—even if he carries heavier political controversies. Their support is a reaction to their dislike of Sara, not the product of genuine admiration.
These factors explain why a small but loud segment of society expresses strong dislike toward her. The dislike reflects deeper divisions in the country rather than anything proven against Sara herself.
