In a dazzling display of patriotic fervor, Rodrigo Duterte, the self-proclaimed champion of all things Filipino, recently advocated for Mindanao’s secession from the Philippines. As he passionately declared his love for the country, one couldn’t help but marvel at the irony unfolding. The maestro of Davao City, a pint-sized parcel in the vast expanse of Mindanao, boldly championed secession, seemingly oblivious to the geographical mismatch.

Is Duterte’s vision a grandiose ode to Mindanao or merely an encore performance for his family’s imaginary kingdom, Davao City? With a territory limited to a mere 2,000 square kilometers, Duterte’s authority echoes more like a symphony in a small room rather than a nationwide anthem. Perhaps his love for Mindanao extends only as far as his familial fiefdom, leaving the rest of the island to wonder if they’re pawns in a political puppet show or genuine beneficiaries of his patriotic passion.