The arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked significant political fallout highlighting tensions between the Duterte and Marcos dynasties. This event follows allegations of corruption against Sara Duterte, leading to her impeachment. The impending elections and legal proceedings surrounding both Duterte figures may reshape the political landscape and reflect broader societal divisions in the Philippines.
The Philippines recently witnessed a swift series of events with the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Following an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Duterte was taken to the Netherlands via private jet mere hours after his apprehension upon returning from Hong Kong. This rapid response suggests extensive planning behind the scenes, dismissed earlier by the presidential spokesman who claimed, “we are prepared for any eventuality.”
Historically, the Duterte and Marcos clans united closely; the Marcos family supported Duterte’s presidential bid in 2016, and Duterte repaid this support by facilitating the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Heroes’ Cemetery. This partnership peaked during Duterte’s presidency, culminating in the 2022 election where Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte ran together.
However, relations deteriorated as accusations arose against Sara Duterte for misusing substantial funds, including a ledger of payments to fictitious individuals, drawing scrutiny and allegations of corruption. This fallout accelerated tension as rumors spread that Marcos had failed to uphold a promise to shield Duterte from prosecution for his controversial drug war, which reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths.
On February 5, the Philippine House of Representatives took the notable step of impeaching Sara Duterte, with 215 out of 306 members voting against her for alleged constitutional violations and plots against the president. Her case is now poised to head to the Senate, where a formal trial is expected to begin in late June—though conviction requires a two-thirds majority, a challenging threshold given internal party dynamics.
In recent opinion polls, Sara Duterte’s approval rating has plummeted to 22%, with many constituents in Mindanao supporting her impeachment. This has been eclipsed by widespread national interest, where 41% of Filipinos back her removal. The outcome of this political turmoil coincides with the impending May 12 mid-term elections for 12 senatorial seats, serving as a litmus test for both her and the political dominance of the Duterte family.
Sara Duterte continues to deny any wrongdoing and has refused to resign, while her supporters are leveraging legal avenues to contest the impeachment in the Supreme Court. Conversely, former President Duterte made headlines with a controversial comment about targeting senatorial candidates during these politically charged proceedings, subsequently leading to a criminal complaint.
President Marcos has attempted to maintain a distance from the impeachment process but is still heavily implicated, especially as the actions taken against Rodrigo Duterte coincide with his own political future. Marcos cannot seek a second term and must carefully navigate the rising sentiments surrounding Sara Duterte, who could potentially strengthen her political standing with a favorable outcome in her impeachment saga.
Rodrigo Duterte, now at age 79 and facing health issues, labeled his delivery to the ICC as a “kidnapping.” His potential death during the proceedings could lead to a martyr-like image, complicating the political landscape for the Marcos family as they rally support against the unpopular Duterte backlash. The historical clash of political dynasties underscores the shifting power structures within the Philippines, raising questions about the implications for future governance and societal stability.
The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte underscores significant tensions between the Duterte and Marcos political dynasties amid a broader struggle for power in the Philippines. With the impeachment of Sara Duterte, rising corruption allegations, and the ICC proceedings against her father, the political climate is fraught with instability. The outcomes of the upcoming elections and potential impeachment proceedings will shape not only the future of the Duterte family but also the political landscape of the country, reflecting deeper societal divisions and the enduring legacy of entrenched political dynasties.
Original Source: www.benarnews.org
