Political tensions are reaching new heights in the Philippines as Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. find themselves locked in increasingly heated conflicts. This feud, which has unfolded dramatically over the past few weeks, raises serious questions about governance and stability within the country.
The backdrop of this crisis centers around the growing discontent surrounding the Vice President's administration, particularly after allegations emerged concerning the misuse of funds allocated to her office. The situation escalated when Duterte publicly stated, during a press conference, her willingness to resort to extreme measures against the president and his allies, claiming she had instructed someone to kill them should anything happen to her. “If I get killed, go kill BBM [Bongbong Marcos], [First Lady] Liza Araneta, and [House Speaker] Martin Romualdez,” she stated, unwavering. “No joke.”
This public threat has not only shocked political observers but has also put the country's legislative bodies under scrutiny, prompting discussions about potential impeachment proceedings against Duterte. Critics have expressed concern over her words, with the President himself calling her statements "reckless" and "troubling." While impeachment against the Vice President has been talked about, President Marcos dismissed such actions as unproductive, stating they would be a waste of Congress's time.
Behind this theatrical political showdown lies the complicated history between the two leaders. Their alliance, which some viewed as a strategic partnership during the 2022 election campaign, has quickly soured. Marcos and Duterte teamed up to present themselves as the "UniTeam," effectively consolidatiing their supporters to avoid splitting their votes during the presidential election, and they achieved victory with ease, each benefitting from the other’s influence. Nevertheless, this partnership had its issues, leading to contrasting political agendas and diverging paths.
Once Marcos took office, he aimed to distance himself from the controversial policies of Duterte's father, Rodrigo Duterte, especially the notorious war on drugs which left thousands dead. His administration has also made attempts to tackle issues of territorial sovereignty against China, something his predecessor largely ignored. The shift signaled to many the underlying tensions brewing between the two factions.
This rupture was only exacerbated by legislative actions aimed at investigating Duterte's management of confidential funds, leading to her resignation from the Department of Education. Since then, her rhetoric has turned sharper, portraying herself as the resilient "underdog" defending her territory against intrusions from the Marcos administration.
Meanwhile, various business groups within the Philippines have expressed unease with the political unrest, calling for calm and insisting on the importance of political stability for maintaining investor confidence. The Makati Business Club and other organizations have urged political leaders to demonstrate restraint and prioritize the country's constitutional integrity over personal interests.
The calls for respect for democratic processes are particularly poignant, considering the veracity of serious allegations made against Duterte and the rising public sentiments swirling around the administration. Many Filipinos have expressed dissatisfaction with the Marcos government, particularly over economic performance, leading to speculation on how this feud might impact the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for 2025.
Prominent political analysts argue this conflict is not just personal but deeply embedded within the larger framework of Filipino politics, where personal relationships between large families play significant roles. The feud sparks widespread public interest not just because of its intensity but because it highlights broader systemic issues within the country.
With midterm elections looming on the horizon, the fallout from this feud presents unprecedented opportunities for both Duterte and Marcos. For some observers, it remains clear: the stakes are high. How this skirmish plays out could define the future political landscapes and power dynamics within the Philippines.
Existing fractures within the alliance suggest instability is likely, but political calculations around future elections could lead to new alliances forming as leaders seek to solidify their hold on power. Amid the turmoil, both Duterte and Marcos stand at the crossroads, each grasping for political legitimacy within their increasingly polarized environments.
