In an ironic twist, Leni Robredo, who is not even running for national office, seems to have become the country’s most sought-after political queen bee. 

VP Sara Duterte pays her a casual, uninvited visit—because who needs formalities when there’s goodwill to be had? President Marcos himself, in a surreal handshake moment in Sorsogon, brands it a “reconciliation” with the woman his family has long seen as a rival. Senate hopeful Rodante Marcoleta, once her harsh critic, now cozies up, because who can resist the allure of political survival? And lest we forget, former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Erwin Tulfo and Bong Revilla have not been left behind the train ride.

It’s almost as if Robredo’s mere handshake is the new political amulet—bestowing good fortune on all who dare seek it. Perhaps it’s time she starts charging a visitation fee. After all, Angat Buhay could always use the extra funds. With the way things are going, her endorsement is apparently the golden ticket for 2025.