Currently, in the Philippines, there is much discussion and speculation surrounding the apparent strain in the longstanding alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his strong disapproval of a purported ‘secret agreement’ related to the South China Sea, which he believes poses a significant threat to the country’s sovereignty. This vocal dissent has sparked significant debate among political insiders and has raised concerns about the state of the alliance.
The tension has become even more apparent due to Marcos Jr.’s recent decision to appoint three caretakers while he was away in the US, indicating a clear lack of trust in Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio. This move has ignited heated discussions about the relationship between the two influential families. According to a statement by Presidential Communications Office Chief Secretary Cheloy Garafil, Duterte-Carpio was listed as “chair” caretaker and was to be “assisted” by presidential Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
Barry Gutierrez, a former spokesman for former vice-president Leni Robredo, has suggested that the breakup between the Marcos and Duterte families has already occurred, with the current situation being a mere façade of forced politeness. Political veterans have expressed their belief that there are fundamental differences in foreign policy positioning between Marcos Jr. and Duterte, particularly concerning China, further straining the relationship.
It is important to note that public displays of ‘horror’ in politics often carry a dramatic element, as Gutierrez has pointed out. In this case, Marcos Jr. is drawing a clear line between his stance on the West Philippine Sea issue and that of Duterte’s pivot to China. The rift has also raised questions about whether the reluctance to criticize Beijing stems from potential benefits received from China, as speculated by political observers and former senator Antonio Trillanes. The alliance between the two families unofficially broke up a year ago, leading to a strained but still cordial relationship, noted University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco.
As tensions continue, there is significant interest in the upcoming congressional and local elections, particularly in which candidates align themselves with the Marcoses and Dutertes. The outcome of these elections may shed further light on the status of the relationship between the two families.
The Philippines is indeed at a critical juncture, with the growing discord between the Marcos and Duterte families giving rise to much speculation and debate. As the saga unfolds, it will be interesting to observe how the dynamics between these two powerful families continue to evolve.
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