MANILA, Philippines — An intense political turmoil brought forth by a contentious rivalry between the nation’s president and vice president is placing immense pressure on a democracy in Asia that has historically faced challenges such as boisterous political discourse, insufficient law enforcement, and blatant impunity.
Just over two years ago, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte achieved historical electoral victories, rallying on a pledge of national unity. However, their fragile partnership swiftly deteriorated due to fundamental disagreements, particularly concerning their affiliations with the United States versus China, as well as Marcos’ repudiation of the violent anti-drug campaign initiated by his predecessor and Duterte’s father, Rodrigo Duterte.
The tensions escalated dramatically over the weekend when Sara Duterte claimed during a press briefing that she had organized a plot against Marcos, his wife, and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, in response to any threats against her life. In a televised address, Marcos expressed his intent to retaliate against these accusations.
Key Figures in the Political Crisis
Sara Duterte
The 46-year-old Sara Duterte has established herself as a populist figure reminiscent of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. She is recognized for her often controversial remarks that defy formal political decorum, gaining both admiration from regular citizens and skepticism from political elites. Having served as a provincial city mayor, she partnered with Marcos during the 2022 elections. However, significant discord has emerged between them, particularly regarding congressional investigations into the high death toll during the drug enforcement operations of her father’s administration and an inquiry into her use of funds while serving as the education secretary.
Following the detention of her chief of staff for not cooperating with the congressional investigation, Sara Duterte leveled threats against the president and his allies during an online press briefing. She even implicated the Marcos family in the infamous 1983 assassination of a political opponent, an event that triggered the 1986 uprising that led to the downfall of her current ally’s father.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Marcos’ landslide victory in 2022 marked a dramatic comeback for his family, which had been exiled following the anti-Marcos uprising in 1986. He took the presidency while faced with a struggling economy, divisive political landscapes, and increasing demands for accountability regarding the drug-related deaths tied to his predecessor, now under investigation by the International Criminal Court.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte has labeled Marcos as ineffective and labeled him with allegations of substance abuse, which the president has flatly denied. Under Marcos, the Philippines has shifted its foreign policy away from Duterte’s close ties with China and Russia to a deeper partnership with Washington, accompanied by increased vigilance toward China’s assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
As tensions sharpen, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos openly criticized Sara Duterte during a radio interview earlier this year. Following this, Sara Duterte stepped down from her position as Marcos’ education secretary and other roles, stating that her dealings with the president had devolved into such hostility that she envisioned herself harming him. In a national address, Marcos pledged to counter the vice president’s purported “criminal plot” while asserting the need to uphold the law and justice, a nod to the lethal consequences of Rodrigo Duterte’s policies.
Rodrigo Duterte
Rodrigo Duterte, 79, remains a towering figure in Philippine politics despite the conclusion of his controversial term in 2022. His base of support continues to remain significant, as he openly criticizes Marcos and issues warnings about potential power abuses. Known for his unfiltered speech and controversial political tactics, he has formed alliances with leaders like Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia.
Duterte has accused Marcos and his associates of corrupt practices and insinuated that he might face a fate similar to that of his father if they seek constitutional reform to extend their authority. Recently, he questioned the loyalty of the military in supporting a president whom he labeled as a drug user, suggesting that only they could restore harmony but clarified he was not inciting a coup.
Martin Romualdez
House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is rumored to have presidential aspirations for 2028, has faced allegations from Sara Duterte accusing him of undermining her reputation to remove her as a future contender. As a prominent figure in the lower house, which is largely sympathetic to Marcos, Romualdez is vital in addressing potential impeachment motions against Duterte for alleged financial misconduct. In a recent session, he emphasized the necessity for accountability concerning the vice president’s alleged threats against public officials, declaring the importance of safeguarding democracy.
