Political Storm in the Philippines: Vice President Sara Duterte Hires Hitman to Kill President Marcos Amid Explosive Feud

Philippine Politics on the Brink: Vice President Sara Duterte Threatens President Marcos with Assassination

On November 25, 2024, Philippine politics took a dramatic and dangerous turn when Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, openly threatened the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte declared during a press conference that she had "hired a hitman" to assassinate President Marcos if she herself were to be killed. This alarming statement has thrown the nation into political turmoil, highlighting growing tensions between two of the country's most influential political dynasties. The unfolding crisis is sparking concerns over the future of political stability and governance in the Philippines.

President Marcos's Response to Duterte's Threat

President Marcos responded quickly to Duterte's threat, describing her comments as "worrisome" and intolerable. During a press conference, Marcos emphasized that such threats should never be taken lightly. "If planning an assassination of the president is so easy, what about ordinary citizens?" he asked, underscoring the potential repercussions of Duterte's statement on political discourse and public safety. He assured that any attempt on his life would face serious consequences, affirming his commitment to upholding the law and maintaining order.

Marcos further noted that threats like these are detrimental not only to him but also to the country at large. He reiterated the need for unity and called on all government officials to exercise responsibility in their public statements to avoid inciting violence or further dividing the nation. Marcos concluded by assuring the public that his administration would not be intimidated and would continue to focus on governance and national development.

The Decline of the Marcos-Duterte Alliance

The alliance between President Marcos and Vice President Duterte has taken a sharp downturn since their joint electoral victory in 2022. Initially, Marcos and Duterte were seen as a political powerhouse, combining the popularity of two prominent families to win a decisive victory. However, differences over key policies gradually led to cracks in their relationship.

One of the primary sources of tension has been their diverging views on foreign policy. President Marcos has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, particularly the United States, while Sara Duterte and her father, Rodrigo Duterte, have favored closer relations with China. Another contentious issue is Rodrigo Duterte's controversial anti-drug campaign, which Marcos has been reluctant to fully endorse due to international criticism over human rights violations. These differences have led to public disagreements, contributing to a growing rift.

The Alliance in 2022

In the 2022 Philippine elections, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and Sara Duterte, the daughter of then-President Rodrigo Duterte, formed a powerful political alliance. Marcos ran for president, and Sara Duterte ran for vice president. Their partnership was based on their families' combined popularity and their promise of continuity and stability. This alliance led to a landslide victory, with both winning by large margins. At first, their working relationship seemed strong.

The Beginning of Tensions

Over time, cracks in their relationship began to show. They disagreed on several key issues, such as:

1. Foreign Policy: Marcos pursued closer ties with Western countries like the United States, while Sara and her father, Rodrigo Duterte, favored stronger relations with China.

2. The Anti-Drug Campaign: The controversial anti-drug war initiated by Rodrigo Duterte became a point of contention. Marcos seemed reluctant to fully support the campaign, which was criticized internationally for human rights violations.

These differences caused public arguments and highlighted their contrasting leadership styles.

Sara Duterte's Escalating Criticism

By early 2024, Vice President Duterte's criticism of Marcos had become increasingly vocal. She publicly accused Marcos of indecision and incompetence in dealing with key issues like economic challenges and corruption. These criticisms fueled rumors of a deepening rift, and the political tension culminated in Duterte's shocking statement on November 24, threatening President Marcos's life.

In her statements, Duterte also expressed frustration over Marcos's foreign policy direction, accusing him of neglecting the country's ties with China, which she argued could be beneficial for economic growth and infrastructure development. She further criticized his handling of domestic issues, such as the slow progress in economic recovery following the pandemic and the perceived lack of urgency in combating corruption within government ranks.

National Security Concerns and Heightened Protection

The Philippine National Police and other security agencies have classified Duterte's comments as a national security issue. In response, security measures for President Marcos have been significantly increased, while the National Security Council has launched an investigation into Duterte's remarks. This development has raised concerns about potential instability in the Philippine government.

The National Security Council has also emphasized the importance of addressing such threats proactively to prevent escalation. Officials are reportedly assessing whether Duterte's comments constitute incitement to violence or if they could potentially lead to destabilizing actions by her supporters. The police have also increased visibility around key government installations and heightened surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Broader Political Context

The deteriorating relationship between the Marcos and Duterte families is not just a personal conflict; it underscores deeper political divisions within the country. The Marcos family, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has worked to regain political influence since the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. On the other hand, the Duterte family gained popularity through Rodrigo Duterte's "tough on crime" approach, which garnered both national support and international criticism.

The fallout between these two political forces signals a major shift in Philippine politics. With both families dominating different regional power bases—the Dutertes in Mindanao and the Marcoses in northern Luzon—their discord may lead to an increasingly polarized electorate and could jeopardize political alliances that have previously upheld stability.

The Marcos camp is seen by many as leaning towards modernization and alignment with Western ideals, whereas the Duterte faction continues to push for a more authoritarian approach, particularly with respect to law enforcement and foreign alliances. This ideological divide not only pits these families against each other but also affects the entire spectrum of Philippine politics, forcing other politicians and regional leaders to take sides or distance themselves from the feud.

Consequences and Predictions for the Future

The ongoing feud between Marcos and Duterte has the potential to drastically affect the Philippines' political and economic future.

1. Political Instability: The public clash between the president and vice president threatens the government’s unity, potentially hindering the administration’s ability to address pressing national issues. The instability may result in stalled legislation and ineffective governance.

2. Public Trust Erosion: As the political rivalry intensifies, many Filipinos are questioning the capability of their leaders to put aside personal differences for the good of the nation. This erosion of trust may push citizens to demand reforms to break the hold of political dynasties.

3. Impact on Future Elections: This conflict could significantly shape future elections, with both families potentially fielding rival candidates. The divide might create space for a new political force to emerge, offering a break from the traditional power of the Marcos and Duterte camps.

4. Regional Tensions: The fallout between these two powerful families could also lead to regional tensions. Given that both families have distinct regional strongholds, a prolonged feud might lead to disruptions in local governance, affecting the delivery of basic services in Mindanao and northern Luzon.

Potential Economic Impact

The uncertainty sparked by this high-level feud could have serious economic consequences. Investors are wary of political instability, which could lead to capital flight at a time when the country is still recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic. Furthermore, the peso may weaken, and market volatility could impact key sectors like real estate and energy.

A prolonged conflict may also lead to uneven economic development, with each faction potentially favoring their respective regional bases over the rest of the country. The situation might lead to the formation of a fragmented economic landscape, where national policies are not effectively implemented due to political discord.

Moreover, delays in infrastructure projects and a potential decline in foreign investments could hinder the country’s economic progress. Concerns about governance and stability could see investors redirecting their funds to more politically stable countries in the region, further exacerbating the Philippines' economic woes.

Wild Predictions: Impeachment, Third Forces, and Foreign Involvement

Some bold predictions for the future include possible impeachment attempts, the formation of a third political force, and even foreign involvement. President Marcos might try to impeach Vice President Duterte to consolidate power, while Duterte could rally opposition against Marcos. This scenario could lead to increased political instability and unrest.

There is also the possibility of military or third-party intervention. Historically, the Philippines has experienced military involvement during political crises, and this could repeat if the feud escalates further. International actors like the United States or China may also seek to exert influence during this period of uncertainty, with each side supporting the faction more aligned with their interests.

Military Mediation: If tensions continue to escalate, the military might step in as a neutral party to prevent the conflict from destabilizing the country further. Such involvement could either restore temporary stability or trigger a deeper crisis, depending on how it is handled and the public’s reaction.

Foreign Involvement: With the Philippines strategically important in Asia, both China and the United States may see this instability as an opportunity to exert influence.

• U.S. Support for Marcos: The United States might back Marcos due to his pro-Western stance, potentially offering economic or military aid to stabilize his government. Such support could help Marcos gain an edge over Duterte but may also draw criticism for perceived foreign interference.

• China's Support for Duterte: China, on the other hand, could quietly support Duterte, leveraging her family’s past alignment with Beijing’s interests. This would further complicate the situation, potentially turning the Philippines into a battleground for influence between the two superpowers.

Conclusion: Crisis or Opportunity?

The ongoing feud between President Marcos and Vice President Duterte marks a significant turning point in Philippine politics. While the immediate future appears fraught with risk and uncertainty, this crisis could also serve as a catalyst for change. A third-party reformist candidate could emerge as a unifying figure, appealing to an electorate tired of dynastic politics.

In the short term, the Philippines is likely to experience political volatility and economic instability. However, the conflict may ultimately push the country towards significant political reform and lead to a more diverse and resilient political landscape. Whether this moment becomes a crisis or an opportunity depends on how leaders, institutions, and the public respond to the challenges ahead.