Sara Duterte facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sara Duterte
Official portrait, 2022
15th Vice President of the Philippines
Incumbent
Assumed office June 30, 2022
President	Bongbong Marcos
Preceded by	Leni Robredo
53rd Secretary of Education
In office June 30, 2022 – July 19, 2024
President	Bongbong Marcos
Preceded by	Leonor Briones
Succeeded by	Sonny Angara
21st Mayor of Davao City
In office June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022
Vice Mayor	Paolo Duterte (2016–18) Bernard Al-ag (acting; 2018–19) Sebastian Duterte (2019–22)
Preceded by	Rodrigo Duterte
Succeeded by	Sebastian Duterte
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2013
Vice Mayor	Rodrigo Duterte
Preceded by	Rodrigo Duterte
Succeeded by	Rodrigo Duterte
10th Vice Mayor of Davao City
In office June 30, 2007 – June 30, 2010
Mayor	Rodrigo Duterte
Preceded by	Luis Bonguyan
Succeeded by	Rodrigo Duterte
Other roles and positions Co-Vice Chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict In office May 10, 2023 – July 19, 2024 Serving with Eduardo Año President Bongbong Marcos Preceded by Position established Succeeded by Vacant President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization In office February 8, 2023 – July 19, 2024 Preceded by Chan Chun Sing Succeeded by Sonny Angara
Party positions held Chairperson of Lakas–CMD In office November 17, 2021 – May 19, 2023 President Martin Romualdez Preceded by Bong Revilla Succeeded by Bong Revilla Chairperson of Hugpong ng Pagbabago Incumbent Assumed office February 23, 2018 President Claude Bautista Preceded by Position established
Personal details
Born	Sara Zimmerman Duterte (1978-05-31) May 31, 1978 (age 47) Davao City, Philippines
Political party	HNP (2018–present)
Spouse	Mans Carpio ​ (m. 2007)​
Relations	Duterte family
Children	4
Parents	Rodrigo Duterte Elizabeth Zimmerman
Relatives	Sebastian Duterte (brother) Paolo Duterte (brother) Kitty Duterte (half-sister) Omar Duterte (nephew) Rigo Duterte (nephew)
Alma mater	San Pedro College (BS) San Beda College San Sebastian College – Recoletos (LL.B.)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	Philippines
Branch/service	Philippine Army
Rank	Colonel

Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio (born May 31, 1978), often called Inday Sara, is a Filipino lawyer and politician. She is the 15th and current vice president of the Philippines. She is the third woman to hold this position and the youngest ever Philippine vice president. She is also the third vice president to come from Mindanao.

Sara Duterte is the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, who was the 16th president of the Philippines. Before becoming Vice President, she served as the mayor of Davao City from 2010 to 2013, and again from 2016 to 2022. She was also Davao City's vice mayor from 2007 to 2010.

She first studied at San Pedro College, hoping to become a doctor. Later, she pursued a law degree at San Beda College and then at San Sebastian College – Recoletos. After passing the bar exam, she worked as a court attorney.

As mayor, she started programs like Byaheng DO30 and Peace 911. She also led the city's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During her father's presidency, she became an important figure in national politics.

In 2022, Sara Duterte ran for Vice President with Bongbong Marcos as her running mate. They won the election by a large margin. She became Vice President on June 30, 2022. She also served as the Secretary of Education until July 19, 2024.

Early Life and Education

Sara Zimmerman Duterte was born in Davao City on May 31, 1978. She is the second child of Rodrigo Duterte, who was a lawyer and later became president, and Elizabeth Zimmerman, a flight attendant. Her maternal great-grandfather had German American roots.

Growing Up in Davao

Growing up, Sara had a complex relationship with her father. She remembered joining celebrations for the People Power Revolution in 1986 when she was seven. Her grandmother, Soledad Duterte, was part of this historic event. Sara's father told them, "Remember this night. Do not forget it."

When her parents separated in the 1990s, Sara stayed with her mother. Even when she became mayor, her relationship with her father was not very close. However, her father valued the education she and her brothers received.

School and Law Studies

Duterte attended San Pedro College and earned a degree in BS Respiratory Therapy in 1999. She once said she wanted to be a pediatrician, not a politician. She then studied law at San Beda College before transferring to San Sebastian College – Recoletos, where she graduated in May 2005.

In 2005, she passed the Philippine Bar examination. She then worked for a few months as a court attorney for Supreme Court Associate Justice Romeo Callejo Sr..

Public Service in Davao City

Vice Mayor (2007–2010)

Sara's father, Rodrigo, initially did not want his family in politics. However, he later encouraged Sara to run as his running mate in the 2007 mayoral elections. He was concerned about corrupt politicians.

Sara Duterte was elected vice mayor in 2007. She served under her father for one term until 2010. During this time, she launched 'Inday para sa Barangay', a project that brought government services to different communities each year.

Duterte being interviewed on March 12, 2009, while vice mayor

First Term as Mayor (2010–2013)

In 2010, Duterte was elected mayor of Davao City. She became the first female mayor and the youngest person to hold the position at 32 years old. She won against Prospero Nograles, a political rival of her father.

She promised to always be "useful and to serve the country." She took over the role her father had held for more than 20 years. Early in her term, she had a disagreement with the city council, led by her father, over an appointment. She stood firm in her role as mayor.

From 2010 to 2013, she also served on the National Executive Board of the League of Cities Philippines. In December 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed her as Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region XI. She was the first woman to hold this position. Under her leadership, the Davao Region's economy grew significantly.

In July 2011, she had a strong disagreement with a sheriff during a demolition of homes in Davao City. She had asked for a delay, but her request was refused. Almost a year later, in June 2012, she publicly apologized for her actions.

Policies and Initiatives

As mayor, Duterte worked to promote Davao City as a great place for tourism and investment. She introduced the tagline "Davao: Life Is Here" in 2011 to market the city.

Second and Third Terms as Mayor (2016–2022)

Sara Duterte (center) filing her certificate of candidacy for mayor of Davao City accompanied by his father Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (left) and her husband Mans Carpio (right).

Duterte ran for mayor again in the 2016 elections and won, succeeding her father for the second time. Her brother Paolo Duterte and later Bernard Al-ag served as her vice mayors.

In September 2016, a bombing occurred in Davao City. This was a tragic event during her term as mayor.

In October 2017, Mayor Duterte launched the Tapang at Malasakit (Courage and Compassion) Alliance for the Philippines. This group brought together her supporters and allies.

Duterte during Rizal Day 2018

In February 2018, she started a new regional political party called Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP). The party was approved in July 2018 and supported candidates in the senatorial election. Nine out of 13 candidates supported by HNP won.

She had political disagreements with another leader, then House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. She publicly criticized Alvarez, and he was later replaced as House Speaker by former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Her father stated that Sara was behind this change.

In the May 2019 elections, Duterte was reelected as mayor for a third term. Her brother Sebastian Duterte was elected vice mayor.

Key Programs and Achievements

During her second time as mayor, Duterte started Byaheng DO30. This program included 30 projects focusing on ten important areas like education, health, and peace and order. She also created the Peace 911 program to help bring peace to areas affected by conflict, by providing government services to remote communities.

As Davao City mayor, Duterte received a very high approval rating of 93% in an independent survey. This was one of the highest ratings in the country.

Becoming Vice President (2022)

The Election Campaign

Many political experts saw Duterte as a potential successor to her father. In 2021, an organization called Inday Sara Is My President (ISIP Pilipinas Movement) was formed to support her. She initially said she would not run for a national position because her father planned to run for Vice President. However, she later withdrew her candidacy for Davao City mayor in November 2021.

On November 11, she joined the Lakas–CMD party. Six days later, she became the chairperson of Lakas–CMD. She also rejoined Hugpong ng Pagbabago as its chairperson.

Marcos and Duterte with the UniTeam slate during their proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena on February 8, 2022

On November 13, she officially filed her candidacy for Vice President of the Philippines under Lakas–CMD for the 2022 Philippine vice presidential election. She became the running mate of former senator Bongbong Marcos from the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Their alliance was called UniTeam.

A Historic Win

Duterte won the vice presidential election with over 32 million votes, a very large margin. She became the first Vice President to be elected by a majority since the 1986 elections. She also received the most votes for any office in a single-winner election in Philippine history.

She made history as the first Vice President from Davao City and the youngest to hold the position at 44 years old. She was also the third woman to be Vice President and the third Vice President who is the child of a president. She and Marcos were the first presidential ticket to win together since the 2004 elections.

As Vice President of the Philippines (2022–Present)

Vice Presidential styles of Sara Duterte
Reference style	Her Excellency, The Honorable
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Alternative style	Madame Vice President

Before her inauguration, President Marcos announced that Duterte would join his cabinet as Secretary of Education. She was inaugurated in Davao City on June 19, 2022, and officially started her term on June 30. Her former professor, Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, administered her oath.

Duterte taking her oath of office before Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando in Davao City on June 19, 2022, with her parents Elizabeth Zimmerman and outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte as witnesses

Important Programs and Initiatives

On her first day as Vice President, Duterte opened satellite offices for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in several cities. The main office was moved closer to the Department of Education (DepEd) headquarters.

• Libreng Sakay Program: In August 2022, the OVP launched a "Free Rides Program" to help commuters and ease traffic. Buses provided free rides in Metro Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, and Davao City.
• Kalusugan Food Trucks: In October 2022, the OVP, DepEd, and Department of Health started deploying "Health Food Trucks." These trucks help address malnutrition among school children in selected areas.
• Mag Negosyo Ta 'Day: In March 2023, Duterte launched this program to support women, LGBTQIA+ members, and other groups financially. It helps them start and grow small businesses.
• PagbaBAGo: A Million Learners and Trees: In May 2023, Duterte began a nationwide effort to distribute one million bags with school supplies and dental kits. This program also aimed to plant one million trees.
• Assistance Programs: From July 2022 to October 2023, the OVP provided significant medical and burial assistance to many families. Its Disaster Operations Center also conducted relief operations for those affected by disasters.

International Engagements

Duterte with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Manila on November 21, 2022

Duterte represented the Philippines on several international trips:

• Japan: In September 2022, she attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She also visited an elementary school and met with education officials.
• Brunei and Singapore: In June 2023, as President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization, she visited Brunei and Singapore. She met with leaders and discussed education and bilateral relations.
• South Korea: In September 2023, she was a keynote speaker at the Global Education and Innovation Summit. She talked about challenges in education and met with South Korean education officials.
• Malaysia: In February 2024, she visited Malaysia and met with education and deputy prime ministers.

Duterte with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on September 26, 2022

Serving as Secretary of Education (2022–2024)

Duterte and her predecessor as Secretary of Education, Leonor Briones, during the turnover ceremony at the DepEd headquarters in Pasig

As Education Secretary, Duterte focused on bringing back mandatory face-to-face classes after the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Return to Classes: She issued an order for schools to offer five-day in-person classes or blended learning from August 2022, with mandatory in-person classes by November 2022. School uniforms and student vaccination were made optional.
• Learner Rights and Protection: In November 2022, she established the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) and a helpline to protect children.
• Basic Education Report (BER): In January 2023, she presented the BER 2023, outlining challenges and plans for basic education.
• SEAMEO President: She was elected President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) in February 2023.
• Teacher Support: She signed orders to prevent teachers from being burdened with non-teaching tasks during school hours. She also aimed to include mandatory scouting in the K-12 curriculum.
• National Learning Recovery Program: In July 2023, she launched this program to improve students' reading and math skills.
• Matatag Curriculum: In August 2023, DepEd introduced a revised K–12 curriculum called "Matatag." This curriculum reduced learning areas and focused on Filipino identity. It was implemented in phases starting 2024.
• Infrastructure and Digital Learning: Her tenure saw efforts to build more classrooms and enhance digital learning with satellite internet and mobile computer labs.
• PISA Results: She acknowledged the Philippines' low ranking in the creative thinking assessment of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2022, stating that efforts were underway to improve future results.
• Resignation: On June 19, 2024, Duterte resigned as Education Secretary. She formally handed over the post to Senator Sonny Angara on July 18, 2024.

Duterte with Brunei Minister of Education Romaizah Salleh

Recent Political Developments

Duterte (left) and President Marcos (right) during the 45th Philippine National Police Academy Commencement Exercises, Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda, Silang, Cavite, April 19, 2024

In May 2023, Duterte resigned from Lakas–CMD, citing "political toxicity." This came after political disagreements with other leaders.

Questions were raised about the use of certain funds by her office and the education department. Lawmakers later removed these funds from the proposed budget.

In June 2024, Duterte resigned as Secretary of Education and from an anti-insurgency task force. She did not attend President Marcos' State of the Nation Address in July 2024, citing other engagements.

Afterward, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reduced the number of police officers assigned to her security. She described this as "political harassment," but the PNP stated it was due to a lack of security threats.

In July 2024, she traveled to Germany with her family. This trip occurred during a time when a typhoon affected parts of the Philippines, which led to some public discussion.

In August 2024, she publicly shared her concerns about some government policies and actions. During budget hearings for her office, there were discussions about her participation and how funds were used.

Duterte (far right) refused to take an oath at a congressional hearing on her office's budget utilization in September 2024.

On September 18, 2024, Duterte attended a House inquiry about her office's funds. She stated that she and President Marcos were never friends, only running mates in the 2022 elections. One of her staff members faced legal action from the House of Representatives during these hearings.

Impeachment Process

On December 2, 2024, a formal process began in the House of Representatives to review her conduct as Vice President. Lawmakers filed complaints against her. President Marcos expressed his view against this process, and a large public rally was held in support of the Vice President.

On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives voted to impeach her. However, the Senate later sent the complaint back to the House, and the Supreme Court eventually ruled the complaint unconstitutional due to procedural issues. Due to legal rules, new complaints could not be filed against her for a year after the first one.

On February 2, 2026, new complaints were filed against her. On May 12, 2026, the House of Representatives again voted to impeach her, sending the matter to the Senate for a trial.

Support for Father

Duterte addresses supporters at Malieveld in The Hague, Netherlands, on March 23, 2025, calling for her father's release and return to the Philippines.

On March 11, 2025, her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, faced legal proceedings related to his time in office. Sara Duterte released a statement saying his detention was "a blatant affront to our sovereignty." She traveled abroad to support her father and help form his legal team, staying for a period before returning to the Philippines in April 2025. Two weeks later, she formally endorsed Imee Marcos and Camille Villar in the Senate elections.

2028 Presidential Campaign

On February 18, 2026, Sara Duterte announced her intention to run for president in the 2028 election.

Political Positions

• Moro Conflict: After a clash in 2015, Duterte showed support for the Special Action Force members who died.
• Communist Conflict: Duterte disagrees with government peace talks with communist groups. She believes these groups are not sincere in reaching a settlement.
• Federalism: She has expressed opposition to federalism, stating it could empower local leaders too much in Mindanao. However, she noted that it is ultimately a decision for Congress and the president.
• Foreign Issues: Duterte has often deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense when asked about disputes in the South China Sea. This stance has drawn some discussion from officials.

Publications

She wrote a children's book called Isang Kaibigan (A Friend), launched in November 2023. The book aims to promote positive values among young learners.

Personal Details

Duterte with her father

Duterte met Manases "Mans" Carpio while attending San Beda College. They married on October 27, 2007, and have four children. Manases is a lawyer.

She previously hosted television programs like Una Ka BAI and Byaheng DO30 on GMA Davao. She is also a fan of Korean dramas and once said her only talent was writing.

During a break from politics, she worked as a lawyer and passed a program for aspiring judges. She was elected as a governor of the Philippine Red Cross in 2014. Duterte is also a reserve officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of colonel.

In October 2015, to encourage her father to run for president, she shaved her head.

Electoral History

See also

• Hoya indaysarae, a species named after her

Images for kids

• 

  Duterte's maternal great-grandfather, George John Zimmerman

See also

In Spanish: Sara Duterte para niños

• Hoya indaysarae, a plant species named after her