Sara Duterte's Disturbing Threats: A Political Showdown in the Philippines

Vice-President Sara Duterte's alarming public threats against President Ferdinand Marcos reveal a deepening rift resulting from shifting political dynamics and contrasting governance styles. The fallout could reshape the Philippines' political future ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

In a shocking display of political discord, Philippines Vice-President Sara Duterte ignited a firestorm last weekend when she made chilling threats against President Ferdinand Marcos. Duterte’s fiery remarks posted on Facebook suggested she has hired assassins to target Marcos and his close aides, declaring, “if I get killed, go kill BBM [President Marcos]. No joke.” This inflammatory language is indicative of a profound unraveling of a political alliance that once held substantial sway in Philippine politics.

The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families was originally a strategic partnership forged during the 2022 presidential election, intended to consolidate power. Both candidates benefitted from their kinship to former presidents—Duterte's father, Rodrigo, was the incumbent at the time. This partnership, dubbed the UniTeam, garnered significant support due to their populist appeal across different Filipino regions.

However, the relationship soured after Marcos won the presidency. Duties traditionally held by the vice-president, including significant influence over defense policy, were sidelined when Marcos opted to appoint Duterte as secretary of education rather than as defense head, thus restricting her ability to accumulate power. This shrewd maneuver by Marcos hinted at his unease about Duterte’s rising influence.

Duterte’s frustrations escalated as she publicly criticized Marcos’s strategic pivots, particularly in his stance on China in the South China Sea and his retreat from the notorious war on drugs initiated by her father. The situation exacerbated when members of Marcos’s political faction initiated inquiries into her handling of confidential funds, further straining their relationship.

Known for her assertive demeanor, Sara Duterte has not been shy of controversy—her past includes physical altercations during her tenure as mayor. Her recent threats appear to mirror her father’s notorious bravado, although they are raising eyebrows beyond customary political theatrics.

In response to her comments, President Marcos labelled them “reckless” and referred the matter to the National Bureau of Investigation, pointing to a potential crackdown on Duterte’s confrontational rhetoric. Although she later retracted her statement, describing it as a “plan without flesh,” the damage to their political camaraderie was substantial.

The fabric of Filipino politics is woven with personal loyalties, family prestige, and regional loyalties. With mid-term elections approaching and a general sense of discontent with the current administration’s achievements, Sara Duterte’s explosive declarations could herald significant changes. They may not only serve to boost her standing as a credible alternative to a struggling government but also alter political alliances as both camps prepare for the presidential elections in 2028.

As the political climate grows increasingly volatile, tensions between Duterte and Marcos may resonate profoundly within the electorate. With supporters from diverse backgrounds watching closely, Filipinos are left speculating about the ramifications of such a rift and the potential for future escalations in the ongoing saga of their political leaders.