In a twist that left political pundits clutching their pearls, Sara Duterte’s Naga visit to Leni Robredo has ignited a flurry of wild speculations.

Rumor has it that Duterte, notorious for her no-nonsense approach, might have sought Robredo’s secret to surviving on a “paltry” ₱700 million budget. Perhaps she inquired about the best brand of instant noodles to buy in bulk or how to squeeze more mileage out of a government sedan.

Or maybe they discussed whether Robredo’s famed “laylayan” strategy could be adapted into an austerity measure for an office once flush with cash.

Analysts suspect that Duterte was also picking Robredo’s brain on forming an opposition-lite alliance, just in case the winds of public opinion start blowing pink again. The only certainty? Both camps are left smiling for the cameras while the rest of the country scratches their heads, wondering what deals (or discount vouchers) might have been exchanged.