OTR: Marcos and Duterte Rift Shakes Philippine Politics

This is not the first time Duterte has made inflammatory statements. Earlier, she claimed to have dreamt of beheading Marcos and threatened to exhume the remains of his father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr from the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes Cemetery) and discard them into the West Philippine Sea if political attacks against her continued.

Heightened Security Measures

Initially, the Office of the President dismissed these comments as inconsequential. However, Duterte’s latest threat prompted a more serious response. On Monday, President Marcos addressed the nation, describing the situation as “troubling” and stating:

“Such criminal plans should not be overlooked. If planning the assassination of the president is that easy, how much more for ordinary citizens?”

The Philippine National Police and military immediately tightened the president’s security, while the Department of Justice announced it would investigate Duterte’s statements.

Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres described her as a "self-confessed mastermind" of a premeditated assassination plot and vowed that law enforcement would identify the alleged assassin and hold Duterte accountable.

Under the Philippine law, threatening to harm someone or their family is a punishable offence. The National Security Council has also categorised Duterte’s comments as a significant threat to national security.

On Tuesday, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) summoned the vice president to explain her remarks.

Speaking to reporters, Duterte denied scheming to kill the president, instead describing her statement as a "revenge plan" in case something happened to her. She insinuated that Marcos, his wife, and his cousin might have plans to harm her.

Bye to Unity

The alliance between Marcos and Duterte captivated public attention during the 2022 elections under their campaign slogan, Uniteam (united team). Marcos succeeded Sara Duterte's father, Rodrigo Duterte, as president, while Sara, a strong contender for the presidency herself, opted to join Marcos as his running mate.

This partnership combined the influence of two powerful political dynasties—the Dutertes of the South and the Marcoses of the North—leading to a landslide victory and securing the country’s top two positions. Unlike in many countries where the vice presidency is appointed or closely tied to the presidency, the Philippine vice president is elected separately. Nevertheless, the position remains largely ceremonial, with limited power and autonomy.

In Sara Duterte's case, however, she was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Education in addition to her vice-presidential duties, granting her a significant executive role. Despite their campaign's emphasis on unity, the Marcos-Duterte alliance was short-lived, as policy differences began to surface, particularly regarding China’s actions in the South China Sea. While the Dutertes are perceived as pro-China, the Marcos administration has leaned towards bolstering ties with the United States.

The relationship further soured as the Dutertes openly expressed their disdain for the Marcos family.

Beyond her recent public threats, Sara Duterte criticised Marcos during an online conference on Saturday, labeling him an incompetent leader. She remarked:

“This country is going to hell because we are led by a person who doesn’t know how to be a president and who is a liar.”

Sara Duterte: The Controversial VP

Sara Duterte, much like her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is known for her fiery demeanor and populist rhetoric. Prior to becoming vice president, she served as mayor of Davao City, where she garnered significant support among ordinary Filipinos.

However, her confrontational style often clashed with traditional political norms. Tensions between Duterte and President Marcos intensified earlier this year following her resignation as Secretary of Education.

Multiple congressional investigations were initiated to examine both Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war, which led to thousands of deaths, and Sara Duterte’s Office of the Vice President. Lawmakers focused on her office’s budget, especially allegations of misusing “confidential funds,” which included claims of malpractice during her time as Secretary of Education.

The conflict escalated further when Sara Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, was detained by Congress for failing to cooperate with the investigations. Throughout these inquiries, Sara Duterte displayed aggressive behavior, refusing to provide clear answers and engaging in heated exchanges with legislators, creating a spectacle of back-and-forth bickering. Although she initially refused to take an oath, she was compelled to do so on November 25 to participate in a congressional hearing. Despite this, she maintained her combative stance.

Amid the controversies, Duterte also accused the Marcos family of involvement in the 1983 assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., a watershed event that triggered the 1986 People Power Revolution and led to the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr: The President Under Scrutiny

President Marcos’ rise to power marked a political comeback for his family, who had been exiled during the People Power Revolution. His administration has faced significant challenges, including calls to prosecute Rodrigo Duterte for drug war killings, which remain under investigation by the International Criminal Court.

Rodrigo Duterte has publicly criticised Marcos, labelling him a weak leader and even accusing him of drug use—allegations Marcos has denied. In response, Marcos has sought to define his leadership by strengthening defence ties with the United States and taking a firmer stance on China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. These policies are a sharp departure from the pro-China and pro-Russia orientation of the Duterte administration.

During his 2022 presidential campaign, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured Filipino voters that he would reduce the price of rice to just 20 pesos per kilo (NZ$0.58) once he assumed office. However, this promise has yet to materialise.

Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, and this pledge resonated strongly with voters, significantly contributing to Marcos’ election victory. In a recent press conference, Vice President Sara Duterte criticised Marcos, stating that the promise was nothing more than a ploy to secure votes. She dismissed it as unrealistic, called Marcos a liar, and urged the public to demand accountability from the president.

When asked about the unfulfilled promise, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. deflected, stating that the pledge was made under vastly different circumstances. He highlighted that fertilisers, which once cost 700 pesos per bag (NZ$20), have now surged to 2,800 pesos per bag (NZ$81.06). Laurel argued that the sharp rise in fertiliser prices, compounded by the ongoing war in Ukraine, has made it impractical to deliver on the promised reduction in rice prices.

Growing Rift

The animosity between the two leaders became undeniable earlier this year when First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos criticised Sara Duterte in a radio interview. Two months later, Duterte resigned from her cabinet positions, citing a “toxic” relationship with Marcos.

The Philippines is gearing up for its midterm elections next year, where voters will elect local officials, including legislators. As the election season approaches, the escalating feud between the Marcos and Duterte camps, along with their respective allies and supporters, is expected to intensify and become increasingly personal.

Such political rivalry could lead to instability, raising concerns about governance, accountability, and national security. The outcome of this power struggle may significantly influence the country’s leadership and challenge the resilience of its democratic institutions.

When asked by the media if her relationship with President Marcos could still be mended, Sara Duterte candidly responded, "We have already reached the point of no return."

However, as the saying goes, in politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends—only permanent interests. This dynamic is clearly reflected in the ongoing clashes between political dynasties in the Philippines.

-Asia Media Centre