Sara Duterte: 20 Facts That Reveal the Story Behind the Philippines’ Most Controversial VP

Her full name is Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio. She is commonly known as Sara Duterte or “Inday Sara.”

She was born on May 31, 1978, in Davao City.

She is the daughter of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman.

She comes from one of the Philippines’ most prominent political families, with several members of the Duterte family holding elected positions.

She is a lawyer by profession. Her education included San Pedro College, San Beda College and San Sebastian College–Recoletos.

She became mayor of Davao City, following her family's long political presence in the city.

She also served as Davao City vice mayor, making her political career closely connected with local government in Davao.

She became the 15th Vice President of the Philippines after winning the 2022 vice-presidential election.

She ran for vice president alongside Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections.

She simultaneously became Secretary of Education in 2022. The Department of Education confirmed her appointment as the incoming Education Secretary following the 2022 election.

As Education Secretary, she promoted the MATATAG Agenda, which included reforms involving the basic education curriculum and learning programs.

Her DepEd administration introduced policies aimed at reducing teachers’ administrative workload. In 2024, DepEd issued a policy removing certain administrative tasks from public-school teachers.

She resigned as Education Secretary in June 2024. She remained Vice President after leaving the Cabinet.

She formally turned over the Department of Education to Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara in July 2024.

Her political relationship with President Marcos later deteriorated. The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte camps that helped win the 2022 election subsequently broke down.

She became the subject of an impeachment case. The House of Representatives impeached her in May 2026 over allegations including unexplained wealth, bribery, corruption and threats. These are allegations, not findings of guilt.

Her impeachment case is now being tried by the Philippine Senate sitting as an impeachment court.

The Senate impeachment court approved subpoenas for financial records connected to Duterte, her husband and certain entities linked to them as part of the proceedings.

President Marcos authorized the release of Duterte’s tax records for use in the impeachment trial in July 2026, according to Reuters.

Her political future remains a major Philippine political story. Her impeachment proceedings could have significant implications for any potential presidential ambitions, including the 2028 election.