The Power Struggle in Philippine Politics: How Political Divisions Shape Elections

The Philippine political landscape has long been dominated by family dynasties, shifting alliances, and deep-seated rivalries. As the country gears up for the 2025 elections, tensions between powerful political factions, particularly between the Marcos and Duterte camps, have once again taken center stage. But beyond individual personalities, how do these divisions influence Philippine democracy?

A History of Political Rivalries in the Philippines

The Philippines’ electoral system has often been shaped by power struggles between political elites. From the Marcos vs. Aquino era to the Duterte vs. opposition battles, history has shown that political rivalries often dictate national discourse.

• Marcos vs. Aquino (1986-2000s) – The fall of the Marcos dictatorship led to a long-standing rivalry between the Marcos and Aquino families, shaping decades of Philippine politics.
• Arroyo vs. Estrada (2001-2010) – The ouster of President Joseph Estrada gave rise to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s presidency, igniting another wave of political division.
• Duterte vs. Opposition (2016-Present) – Rodrigo Duterte’s rise to power challenged the traditional political elite, shifting alliances and deepening divisions.

Election Manipulation and the Role of Disinformation

With the rise of social media and digital propaganda, political battles are no longer fought only in the streets and debate halls but also online. The weaponization of fake news has played a crucial role in shaping voter perceptions.

• Misinformation campaigns targeting rival politicians spread rapidly, influencing public opinion. (Reuters)
• Political operators use social media platforms to amplify attacks and manipulate narratives. (Rappler)
• Foreign influence and digital campaigns raise concerns about the integrity of Philippine elections. (Philippine Star)

What Can Voters Do?

With elections on the horizon, Filipinos must be critical of political narratives and fact-check information before forming opinions. The country’s future depends on informed voting, beyond family loyalties and social media trends.

References

• Reuters – Political disinformation campaigns
• Rappler – The rise of social media propaganda in elections
• Philippine Star – Historical political rivalries in the Philippines