“The real battleground lies in the hearts and minds of the public.”
(Concluded from Friday)
Current clash, future ambitions: the 2024 conflict and the 2028 horizon
With both Romualdez and Duterte embroiled in these controversies, the political maneuvering is as much about positioning for the 2028 presidential race as it is about damage control in the here and now. The fact that these two once shared the same political banner makes the split even more striking—and potentially damaging to the country’s political fabric. Both are fighting not just for public perception but also to solidify their political futures amid swirling scandals.
This schism has also drawn the attention of both legal and ethical watchdogs. Duterte’s budgetary controversies have ignited potential violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), which demands transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. Should graft charges arise from the COA’s findings on the OVP’s confidential funds, the implications could be career-ending. Meanwhile, Romualdez’s alleged manipulation of budget allocations, if proven, would violate numerous provisions of the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act No. 9184) and possibly lead to his disqualification from office.
The tipping point: who emerges on top?
In the current political chess game, determining who holds the advantage is difficult. Duterte’s defiance, while bold, has left her increasingly isolated. The legal threats against her are mounting, and her refusal to provide transparency only strengthens her critics’ narrative. The COA’s findings on her misuse of public funds are damning, and her attempts to turn the spotlight onto Romualdez may be seen as desperation.
Romualdez, on the other hand, wields considerable power as House Speaker and a member of the influential Marcos clan. His position provides him with more leverage, but the allegations of budget manipulation could tarnish his reputation if Duterte’s claims gain traction or are substantiated through investigation. His attack on Duterte’s credibility was a tactical move to neutralize her, but whether it will work in the long run remains uncertain.
Recommendations
For Sara Duterte, transparency is no longer optional. She must address the COA findings head-on and provide clear explanations for how public money has been spent. Without accountability, her presidential aspirations for 2028 may be doomed. Rebuilding trust with the public and distancing herself from further controversy should be her top priorities.
For Martin Romualdez, the path forward requires openness as well. If his hands are clean, he must provide evidence to refute Duterte’s claims of budget manipulation. The House Speaker’s position gives him influence, but any hint of misconduct could derail his long-term ambitions. To maintain his standing, he must also push for budgetary reforms that ensure transparency and fairness, quieting any accusations of backroom deals.
In this escalating political war, the courtrooms are just one front. The real battleground lies in the hearts and minds of the public, where Duterte and Romualdez must win or risk fading into irrelevance. The fight for survival is no longer a question of who is right—it’s about who can shape the narrative that will determine their political fates.
