IN a post-Duterte era where legacy is up for grabs, Bong Go might no longer just be a shadow of his former boss—but the main act in the making.

     The 2025 midterm elections continue to prove that the influence of the Hague-detained former president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, is still very much intact after a significant number of newly elected senators were either his allies or products of the political machinery he built.

     While Rodrigo Duterte remains an influential political figure whose power can compel other politicians to choose sides or, at the very least, acknowledge his political presence, his daughter’s recent controversies may have weakened her ability to fully practice that influence.

     Pulse Asia’s recent Pulso ng Bayan survey displays Sara’s weakened political standing. Her trust rating dropped by seven points, from 57 percent in April to 50 percent in May, while her distrust rating increased from 18 percent to 25 percent.  

     Even with this decline, however, half of the Filipino registered voters still disagree with her impeachment, meaning that while her reputation has taken a hit, there wasn’t overwhelming public backing for her removal from office.

     The confidential funds and emotional outbursts are moments that helped widen the gap between Sara and the once-solid Duterte camp.  

     In contrast, Bong Go, one of the former president’s most loyal allies, has maintained a steady and somewhat clean political image, being the former president’s most reliable aide throughout his presidency, even during his arrest. His strong association with the former president, authoring, and principal sponsoring of the Malasakit Centers Act helped him secure the top spot during the midterm elections, possibly making him the strongest contender from the Duterte camp.

     While he has always been loyal to the Duterte family—even to Sara—his current momentum raises a compelling question: What if he chooses to be ambitious?

     Assuming Bong Go would choose to run against Sara—who is most definitely eyeing the presidency, would undeniably be a break from that loyalty. He could opt to run for Vice President in 2028 to make way for Sara, but if Bong Go becomes ambitious enough to step out and challenge her, now with his newly realized star power, combined with Sara’s damaged reputation, he could tilt the odds in his favor. And if the political landscape remains as it is today, he might just claim the crown as the true heir of the Former President’s political dynasty.