Pay close attention to this development—it echoes historical instances that should not be dismissed lightly.

Drawing parallels from the past, we recall when former Vice President Doy Laurel had a falling out with then-President Cory Aquino, prompting his resignation and subsequent alignment with the opposition. A similar scenario unfolded during former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term, as former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. spearheaded the Hyatt 10, marking the onset of a nine-year destabilization campaign.

Although Mayor Inday Sara has vehemently denied any intention to resign from her positions in the Marcos junior administration, attributing media misinterpretations to the unfolding drama, one cannot ignore the possibility—especially if events continue to unfold as planned.

It’s evident that the Duterte camp is strategically crafting a legal opposition force, projected to materialize come June of this year. Sources within the Duterte circle anticipate a significant dip in the President’s popularity and trust ratings, driven by the worsening economic and social conditions in the country.

Confident in this anticipation, the Duterte camp is actively testing the waters, investing substantial resources in grassroots organizing. Indeed, they are diligently consolidating allies from the old Duterte group, with the aim of forming a formidable opposition against Mr. Marcos later this year.

Inday Sara may assert confidence in her relationship with the President, but beneath this facade lies a deteriorating situation that has profoundly shaken the foundations of this government.

One plausible interpretation is that the Duterte forces are safeguarding their interests, considering the looming threat of International Criminal Court (ICC) arrests, coinciding with their intended launch of the opposition force. Are talks of destabilization merely a strategic diversion to dissuade Mr. Marcos from supporting any moves against Duterte and his political associates in the controversial anti-drugs campaign?

What is undeniably clear from recent actions within the Duterte group is a palpable desire among certain segments or members to reclaim the palace. Many with questionable backgrounds have seen their economic interests adversely affected by this administration, compelling them to seek a return to power by exploiting the influence of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

As previously emphasized, the Duterte faction can only regain power by purging unscrupulous elements from their ranks. Mr. President, be wary, for these are not genuine friends but political associates pursuing their agendas, potentially fueled by a foreign government’s interests in destabilizing the nation.

Prepare for an epic battle for the “hearts and minds of the people” between the Marcos and Duterte factions. Notably, ousted Duterte allies, such as former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, have resurfaced, rallying their respective bases in preparation for a strategic assault on the current administration. In the next few weeks, sleeper cells of Duterte embedded within the bureaucracy will now become active and will cause trouble for this administration. We will know by next week who is with the Dutertes and who is not. There’s a big rally in Davao, reportedly to be attended by staunch Duterte allies from all sectors–including the military and the police. Possibly.

Mass resignations? Possible.

Imagine the dramatic scenario of the Vice President dealing a decisive blow to the UniTeam coalition by resigning from her posts and aligning herself with the opposition. Such a move would undoubtedly sow chaos and confusion, signaling to many Duterte loyalists that the Duterte family has reached its limit with the Marcoses, drawing a line in the sand. In political landscapes, drawing such lines tends to fragment the social fabric, exerting immense pressure until the target succumbs to the weight of internal strife.

An exciting year of the wooden dragon, yes?