MANILA. The Philippines’ dominant political dynasties, the Marcoses, and the Dutertes, are gearing up for an election showdown that could disrupt policy stability in the Southeast Asian nation in the coming years.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation as education minister in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cabinet was followed by her shocking announcement that her father, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, and two brothers would run for the Senate next year.
The collapse of the alliance had long been expected, but the political challenges posed by the Duterte men could undermine Marcos’ plans to consolidate power and groom a potential successor for 2028, when analysts say Sara Duterte may seek the top job. Philippine presidents are limited to a single six-year term.
“It is a threat,” said Jean Encinas-Franco, a University of the Philippines political science professor. “It is a message to the Marcoses as it is a message to the Filipino people that ‘we are alive and kicking’.”
Marcos, 66, shrugged off the Dutertes’ plans, telling reporters on Thursday, “It’s a free country. They’re allowed to do whatever they want.”
It is unclear how the potential candidacies of Duterte, 79, and his sons might affect policy in the near term. However, victories in the May midterm elections by the Duterte family, backed by their strong political base, could complicate Marcos’ efforts to pass laws that diverge from the Dutertes’ interests.
The former president may be motivated to run for “political protection,” said Manila-based political analyst Julio Amador. Duterte is being investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his signature “war on drugs” campaign, where thousands were gunned down in what authorities called vigilante killings during his 2016-2022 presidency.
Harry Roque, his spokesperson when he was president, dismissed the suggestion, saying the court has no jurisdiction over the Philippines.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
