Death threats and division: A political feud takes a dramatic turn

In the Philippines, a significant political conflict has erupted between two prominent leaders, Vice-president Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos. Recently, Vice-president Duterte made alarming statements suggesting that she had considered hiring assassins to target the president. This shocking declaration has raised serious concerns among the public and political analysts alike. On her Facebook page, she stated, 'If I get killed, go kill BBM [President Marcos], [First Lady] Liza Araneta, and [House Speaker] Martin Romualdez. No joke. ' Such extreme rhetoric indicates the depth of her anger towards the president. Just a month prior, she had described her relationship with President Marcos as toxic, even expressing a desire to decapitate him. Furthermore, she threatened to exhume the remains of the president's father from the Heroes' Cemetery and scatter the ashes into the sea. This level of drama highlights the intense nature of political life in the Philippines. The alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families during the 2022 presidential election was initially seen as a strategic partnership. Both leaders are children of former presidents, with Sara Duterte's father, Rodrigo Duterte, serving as the incumbent at the time. They enjoyed substantial support from various regions across the Philippines, and their combined popularity made them a formidable team. To avoid splitting their voter base, they agreed that Marcos would run for president while Sara would seek the vice-presidency. This arrangement was designed to position Sara for a potential presidential run in 2028. Their strategy proved successful, as they won the election by a significant margin. However, the vice-presidency is largely a ceremonial role with limited power. Sara Duterte had hoped to oversee the defense sector, but President Marcos assigned her to the education department instead, signaling his reluctance to allow her to build a power base. President Marcos has also shifted away from the policies of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. He has instructed the Philippine navy and coastguard to confront China in disputed areas of the South China Sea, a stark contrast to his predecessor's approach of avoiding confrontation with China. Additionally, Marcos has scaled back the aggressive war on drugs initiated by Rodrigo Duterte, which resulted in numerous extrajudicial killings. He has even hinted at the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court, which has been investigating crimes against humanity committed during Rodrigo Duterte's presidency. The relationship between the Marcos and Duterte camps has further deteriorated, particularly after Marcos's allies in the lower house initiated an investigation into Sara Duterte's use of confidential funds allocated to her office. In July, she resigned as education secretary, and her rhetoric became increasingly inflammatory. Sara Duterte is no stranger to controversy; she has a history of aggressive behavior, including an incident where she was filmed punching a court official while serving as mayor of Davao City. Both she and her father are known for their tough and outspoken personalities. Her father once insulted the Pope and boasted about his violent past. Sara has been described as the 'alpha' of the family, known for her assertiveness, while she has also expressed that her father is difficult to love. However, her recent threats against President Marcos may have crossed a line. Marcos has labeled her comments as 'reckless' and 'troubling. ' The National Bureau of Investigation, akin to the FBI in the United States, has summoned her to explain her statements. In response, she has attempted to downplay her comments, claiming they were not serious and accusing Marcos of leading the country astray. The ongoing rivalry between these two powerful families reflects the complex nature of Filipino politics, which often revolves around personal relationships and family legacies. Marcos is eager to restore his family's reputation following his father's ousting in 1986, while the Dutertes have their own ambitions for political dominance. Currently, Sara Duterte remains vice-president, but her position could be jeopardized if the Senate decides to impeach her. This would be a risky move for President Marcos, as she enjoys considerable support in the southern regions and among overseas Filipino workers. The upcoming mid-term elections in May will serve as a crucial test for both factions. Sara's explosive break with Marcos presents an opportunity for her to back her own candidates and position herself as an alternative to a government that has faced criticism for its lackluster economic performance. As the political landscape continues to evolve, many Filipinos are left wondering what Sara Duterte's next move will be.