THEY say the pen is mightier than the sword. From the pen come words — powerful, cutting, and sometimes even more painful than a blade. But words don’t only come from pens. They come from mouths too. Even the mouths of babes — “Papa,” “Mama,” “Tatay,” “Nanay” — signaling their early recognition of their parents.
So when Vice President Sara Duterte spoke the word “tambaloslos,” it caught everyone’s attention. She didn’t directly say whom it was aimed at, but many guessed — perhaps rightly — that it was House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The word “tambaloslos” is a Bisaya term, mostly heard in Visayas and Mindanao. It refers to a mythical creature — something like the “wakwak”—that supposedly laughs and swallows things whole. Clearly, it wasn’t a compliment.
Some believe she used the word in response to what she sees as Romualdez’s political ambitions — ambitions she might feel encroach on what she perceives as her rightful place in the national leadership.
That moment marked the beginning of cracks in what once appeared to be a united front.
Later, another phrase came from the VP’s mouth: “designated survivor.” This was around the time of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, when she also hinted she wouldn’t attend. This sparked questions: Was she fearing a potential attack at the SONA venue? Was this survival instinct or something more?
Fortunately, no bomb went off. The SONA proceeded without incident, and political life in the Philippines carried on — though not without drama.
During House investigations targeting the Vice President, she asked: “Why are you all crucifying me?”
I watched the hearings closely — via video, like many others — and saw no cross. Of course, I’m joking. But the word “crucify” was striking. It conveyed how serious, or perhaps exaggerated, she considered the situation.
After several failed attempts, the House successfully impeached her on Feb. 5. Her reaction? It was “no big deal,” she said. Being dumped by a lover is more painful, she added. That statement didn’t sit well with some members of the House. Later, she ran to the Supreme Court to stop the proceedings—a serious move, though again, I joke when I say she “ran to the door” but found none.
Speaking of jokes — or not — there was that other shocking claim: she had talked to hitmen, or assassins, supposedly as a precaution for the safety of the First Couple and the House Speaker, who is President Marcos' cousin.
And recently, she took another jab — this time at Manila Rep. Joel Chua. She urged Apple Nieto, a rival candidate, to shove an “apple” down Chua’s throat “until he dies.” Morbid, yes. Though Chua brushed off the remark, focusing instead on his reelection campaign.
Now, as her impeachment trial nears, the Vice President has warned of a “bloodbath.”
What does she mean by that?
My nerdy friend Mike just shrugged and said, “I hope she doesn’t mean it — literally.”
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