Is this the end of VP Sara Duterte’s political career? The question may seem premature—after all, she’s not just a politician but practically royalty in the Philippines. Her outbursts during the budget hearing were, to be fair, nothing new. She’s just showing us the same firebrand spirit that had endeared her to millions. What’s a little tantrum here and there when you’re used to ruling a city with an iron fist?

But perhaps the tide is turning. When even her most loyal defenders are now clutching their pearls, one might wonder if this is more than just a bad week. Could it be that the “daughter of the nation” is losing her charm? Her police security detail being pulled out could just be a case of thinning ranks, or maybe they, too, need a break from the drama.

As netizens mock her, and polls show her slipping, the once-unthinkable seems to be happening: people are questioning the infallibility of the Duterte brand. But let’s not be too quick to write her off. If there’s one thing the Duterte family knows, it’s how to play the long game. Like father like daughter like siblings. 

Still, if this is indeed the beginning of the end, it’s shaping up to be quite a show.