In a dramatic twist of fate, it seems the “Duterte Curse” is now in full swing, as the once mighty names of the Duterte alliance fall like bowling pins in the latest 2025 senatorial survey by Tangere. 

Gone are the days when a nod from former President Rodrigo Duterte would guarantee a comfy seat in the Senate. Even Bato dela Rosa, the man once synonymous with the drug war, and Imee Marcos, heir to a political dynasty, are left standing on the sidelines, out of the “magic 12.” Oh, how the mighty have fallen! 

Actor Phillip Salvador, once riding high on sheer celebrity power, finds himself further down the pecking order—clearly, his acting chops aren’t enough to carry him this time.

Surprisingly, only Bong Go remains afloat, clinging to his “Malasakit” image like a life raft in a sea of sinking reputations. It seems the sob stories of financially strapped Filipinos still give him enough clout to stay relevant. 

But the overall message is clear: the Duterte charm is wearing off faster than an expired anti-cough syrup. Perhaps the era of using political patronage as a fast pass to power is finally coming to an end—well, except for Go, of course.