So, the picture is now complete. Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent outcry over PNP Chief Marbil’s decision to reorganize her security team might be a strategic move to deflect criticism over her recent trip to Germany. Remember those photos showing her leaving for Germany at the height of Supertyphoon Carina’s rage?

This could be part of a broader narrative orchestrated by a US-based pro-Trump group to paint the vice president as a victim of political persecution, similar to Trump’s experiences. With Trump being shot in his right ear by a young white American—a registered Republican, no less—who can say if any right-wing politician is safe from their own followers?

Some might argue that the Dutertes and their allies are finally getting a taste of what political harassment feels like. During their time in Malacañang, how many individuals were harassed, jailed, or even killed for opposing Duterte’s policies? I’m not talking about drug personalities, whom some would argue got what they deserved. I’m referring to political figures who dared to challenge the Dutertes, especially those who spoke out against alleged extrajudicial killings reportedly sanctioned by the president and his daughter, now the vice president.

Consider those in Davao who faced the infamous “Duterte treatment.” Many lost their lives and futures when their interests clashed with those of the Duterte family and their associates.

However, it would be heartless to say this is a case of “an eye for an eye.” We are, after all, talking about a vice president, a high-ranking government official. It is indeed troubling to think that the second highest-ranking Filipino official might be deprived of adequate security during these dangerous times.

But let’s be objective—how many security personnel does Sara Duterte need to feel safe? Marbil suggests 45; Duterte insists on 65. Who decides? The Presidential Security Group (PSG) should determine the optimal number of men needed to secure the vice president.

One has to wonder, though—if Sara Duterte is as immensely popular as she claims, why is she suddenly feeling insecure? Who does she fear? Mrs. Duterte-Carpio insinuates that she’s being threatened by the government she serves. But isn’t she also supposed to be popular among government bureaucrats as the presumptive president? Unlike the US, the Philippines does not have a history of deranged assassins targeting presidents. The only incident was when a foreign seminarian stabbed First Lady Imelda Marcos. If you consider Andres Bonifacio, our first president, his death was more a consequence of violating revolutionary laws.

This is a unique moment in our history—a vice president throwing tantrums over losing billions in intelligence funds and now, the limitation of her security detail. It brings to mind Lionel Richie’s daughter, who cried foul when her father cut off her allowances and security. Is this a case of political persecution, or is it simply a spoiled child’s tantrum?

Or maybe Sara knows something that we don’t. Could her decision to leave for Germany be related to a failed extra-constitutional move against the Marcos junior administration? Some would think that, but I don’t.

We Filipinos have a saying: A person who is afraid of ghosts must have a lot of debts (“maraming pinagkakautangan.”). With the presumptive President, err, survivor now expressing her insecurities, maybe there’s really something about those surveys and that crucial meeting between China’s top officials and Marcos Junior. Are tables now turned against the Dutertes? Your guess is..” as good as it gets.”