The Philippines midterm election has intensified the bitter feud between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and Vice-President Sara Duterte, sparking a power struggle between their families. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments:
Key Election Outcomes
- Marcos’ Senate Alliance: Only 6 out of 12 winning senators align with Marcos, while 4 senators are in the Duterte camp. Notably, Senator Camille Villar received endorsements from both Marcos and Duterte.
- Duterte’s Senate Alliance: The Duterte camp includes Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, who defected to Duterte’s side.
- Duterte’s Influence: Former President Rodrigo Duterte won the mayoral race in Davao City despite being detained on charges of crimes against humanity, showcasing his lasting influence.
Impeachment Trial
The impeachment trial of Sara Duterte is expected to start in July, requiring two-thirds of the 24-seat senate to vote in favor. Given the current senate composition, Marcos faces an uphill battle to achieve this.
Future Implications
The power struggle between the Marcos and Duterte families will likely continue, with both sides lobbying senators to support their cause. This feud may further destabilize the country, given the deep-seated divisions and potential for revenge if Duterte were to become president in 2028.
Public Sentiment
Public opinion seems to be shifting against Marcos, with his management of the economy receiving low marks in opinion polls. Duterte, on the other hand, maintains strong public support in some areas, which could influence senators’ decisions on the impeachment trial.
The winning senators include:
- Bong Go
- Bam Aquino
- Bato dela Rosa
- Erwin Tulfo
- Kiko Pangilinan
- Rodante Marcoleta
- Ping Lacson
- Tito Sotto
- Pia Cayetano
- Camille Villar
- Lito Lapid
- Imee Marcos
These developments will likely shape the country’s political landscape in the coming months.
