Rodrigo Duterte, the master of political theatre, has declared his daughter’s announcement about the entire Duterte clan seeking Senate seats in 2025 a mere jest.

The elder Duterte, ever the comedian, claims he’s retired from politics, dismissing the idea of a Duterte Senate takeover as laughable. Imagine, he quips, three Dutertes under one legislative roof — it’s almost as if political dynasties are a Philippine pastime! Surely, the man who brought us six years of colorful rhetoric and iron-fisted governance has more serious pursuits now, like, say, leisurely afternoons reminiscing about his illustrious career.

Meanwhile, Sara Duterte’s “prank” has left the nation in stitches, pondering the punchline of a political landscape where family reunions double as Senate sessions.

As the curtain falls on Duterte’s era, one can only wonder if this latest act is a final bow or just intermission.

Oh, the Dutertes, masters of the “deny today, run tomorrow” strategy.

Remember when Rodrigo Duterte swore up and down he had no interest in the presidency back in 2016? Surprise! There he was, in Malacañang, making headlines.

Fast forward to 2022, and his daughter Sara echoed the family mantra: no national post for her. Cue the campaign posters.

Now, Sara’s at it again, forecasting a future where her dad and siblings dominate the Senate in 2025 and Baste aims for the presidency in 2028. Of course, Rodrigo assures us this is all nonsense.

If history teaches us anything, it’s to keep our ballots ready. The Dutertes’ political ambitions seem to follow a simple rule: if they say they aren’t running, brace yourself for their candidacy announcement. Liars, liars, indeed—pants perpetually on fire — in the heat of electoral ambition.