Before becoming the country’s vice president, Sara Duterte had a brief stint as a lawyer in the Supreme Court back in 2006. Then she returned to Davao City to build a political career, starting with a vice mayoral stint from 2007 to 2010. Her successful bid for the mayoral position on the same year made the 32-year old Duterte the first female, and the youngest to be elected to office.

She took a break from politics following her term to work for the Philippine National Red Cross (where she was elected as one of the governors) and other philanthropic organisations. Duterte returned to politics to serve as Davao City’s mayor for two terms, concurrent with her father’s presidential tenure from 2016 to 2022. Towards the end of her tenure, she successfully campaigned for the country’s second-highest executive position.

Duterte officially started her term as the country’s 15th vice president on the same day that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, exited Malacañang, signalling a transition in the family's political dynasty.

She is considered a transformational leader who, in her past elective positions, pushed for the development of Davao City’s infrastructure and improved the transport system, while creating policies to help preserve the city's natural surrounds. In contrast to her father's heavy-handed approach to Davao's peace and order situation, the younger Duterte launched Peace911 as an alternative solution.

Post election, Duterte’s message hints of a more accessible VP. “The Office of the Vice President hopes to reach more Filipinos in the next six years,” she says. “This is why we have established at least seven satellite offices across the country, as well as expanding the existing social services programmes of the office.”