In recent times, the Philippine political landscape has been witness to a remarkable turn of events as the once strong alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families appears to be unraveling. The bond that had brought together two prominent political families, united in their shared vision for the nation, now stands on shaky ground, with cracks appearing in what was once a seemingly unbreakable alliance. This development has sparked widespread speculation and analysis, with experts dubbing it as a sign of 'open warfare' within the political circles of the Philippines.
The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families had initially been seen as a strategic move, with both families leveraging their political capital to solidify their positions. President Rodrigo Duterte, who hails from Davao City, is often credited with tapping into the sentiment of the masses and presenting himself as a 'strongman' leader, while drawing inspiration from the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Similarly, the Marcoses, who have long sought redemption after the downfall of the Marcos regime in 1986, saw an opportunity to regain political influence and power through an alliance with Duterte.
However, tensions have evidently emerged between the two families, and the cracks in their once formidable alliance have become increasingly visible. One major point of contention seems to be the issue of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos' burial at the Heroes' Cemetery, a move that Duterte supported. This decision had been a source of controversy and anger for many Filipinos, who viewed it as an attempt to whitewash the atrocities committed during the Marcos regime. The cooperation between the two families on this matter, which was once viewed as a solidifying force, may have now become a dividing line between them.
Moreover, there have been disagreements on policy matters, with the Duterte administration pursuing actions that some Marcos loyalists perceive to be insufficient in advancing the interests of the Marcos family. The lack of significant progress in pursuing the family's long-standing goal of reclaiming ill-gotten wealth, and the failure to overturn Ferdinand Marcos' conviction for human rights abuses, are some of the issues cited as sources of discontent.
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact catalyst for the crumbling of this alliance, political analysts suggest that it may be a result of diverging political interests and ambitions. President Duterte's term is coming to an end in 2022, and his daughter, Sara Duterte, has emerged as a potential candidate for the presidency. This prospect has likely caused tensions between the two families, as each seeks to secure its own political future. The Marcoses, eager to regain power and influence, may be exploring alternative political alliances that align more closely with their objectives.
This breakdown in the Marcos-Duterte alliance has significant implications for the political landscape of the Philippines. It signals a shifting dynamic within the ruling elite, potentially opening up opportunities for other political factions and figures to emerge. With the Duterte administration losing support in certain sectors due to its handling of key issues such as the pandemic response and human rights concerns, this fracture in their alliance could further erode their grip on power.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this disillusionment between the Marcos and Duterte families will unfold and what impact it will have on the political future of the Philippines. One thing is for certain: the once robust and strategic alliance has crumbled, leaving a void that will inevitably reshape the country's political landscape for years to come.
