The Duterte-Marcos Political Feud: Implications for Philippine Governance

The ongoing political rift between the Duterte and Marcos families has become a defining issue in Philippine politics. Once strong allies, these two political dynasties are now at odds, shaping the country’s governance and the political landscape ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. The feud, fueled by recent events such as the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, has divided public opinion and political factions.

From Allies to Rivals: The Origins of the Feud

The Marcos and Duterte families were once seen as key partners in Philippine politics. In 2016, then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte won the presidency, partly due to support from the Marcoses, who sought to reestablish their influence. The alliance further solidified in 2022 when Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. won the presidency, and Sara Duterte became his vice president. However, tensions between the two camps grew over governance issues, power struggles, and differing political ambitions.

Key points of contention include:

• Policy Differences: Disagreements on key policies, particularly on foreign relations and economic strategies, have strained their partnership.
• Leadership Struggles: The Duterte camp has voiced dissatisfaction with Marcos Jr.’s leadership, while Marcos supporters argue that the Duterte family is overstepping its influence.
• Legal Challenges: The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte and Sara Duterte’s impeachment have further deepened the divide, with each camp accusing the other of political maneuvering.

Implications for Philippine Governance

The Duterte-Marcos feud has wide-ranging effects on national governance, including:

1. Destabilized Political Alliances
   • The once-unified ruling coalition is now fragmented, affecting policy implementation and government stability.
   • Lawmakers and political parties are choosing sides, influencing legislative priorities and government appointments.
2. Impact on the 2025 Elections
   • With both camps preparing for the midterms, the elections could serve as a battleground to determine which political dynasty holds more influence.
   • The division may lead to multi-party battles rather than a single dominant force, altering the electoral landscape.
3. Policy Inconsistencies
   • Governance decisions could become inconsistent as the two factions push competing agendas.
   • Political infighting may slow down economic and social reforms crucial for national development.

Public Perception and Social Divisions

The feud has also impacted public perception and social unity. Supporters of both families are engaging in heated debates on social media, highlighting the deep political polarization in the country. Many Filipinos see the rift as a power struggle rather than a genuine concern for governance, leading to growing disillusionment with political leadership.

Conclusion

The Duterte-Marcos feud marks a turning point in Philippine politics, with significant implications for governance, elections, and public trust. As the 2025 midterms approach, this rivalry will likely intensify, shaping the future of the country’s leadership and policy direction. Whether this division leads to greater democratic engagement or further political instability remains to be seen.

References:

• Philippine News Agency – Coverage on Duterte’s arrest and Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings: www.pna.gov.ph
• Rappler – Analysis on the Duterte-Marcos feud and its political implications: www.rappler.com
• CNN Philippines – Reports on how this rift affects the upcoming elections: www.cnnphilippines.com
• Inquirer.net – Public reaction and expert opinions on the power struggle: www.inquirer.net