Rodrigo Duterte, once the nation’s highest official, seems determined to prove that you can take the man out of Davao, but you can’t take the mayor out of the man. 

Even during his presidency, his loyalists fondly called him “Mayor,” as if the title held more weight than being leader of the free Filipino world. 

Now, as the 79-year-old Duterte eyes a return to his stomping grounds as Davao City mayor, one wonders: has his political star dimmed so much that only Davao can reignite the flame? Perhaps his legacy, built on tough talk and even tougher policies, hasn’t quite translated to national endurance. 

But fear not, Davao — your favorite local mayor is back, not because he never left, but because maybe no one else wants him. After all, what’s a former president to do when the rest of the country has moved on? Dust off the old “Mayor” sash, of course.

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In a recent controversy, Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that her visit to former VP Leni Robredo in Naga City was planned in advance, with prior notice given to Robredo. However, Robredo herself disputed this, stating that Duterte’s visit was impromptu. 

The discrepancy in their accounts has raised questions about who is telling the truth. Robredo, known for her transparency during her tenure, emphasized that no prior arrangement was made, directly contradicting Duterte’s version of events. Given Robredo’s consistent public record, it appears that her account holds more credibility in this situation. This suggests that VP Duterte’s claim may not have been accurate, raising concerns about her honesty in public statements. 

The quick fact-check by Robredo adds to the tension, further fueling debates around the leadership styles and communication strategies of the current and former vice presidents.