(Part 1)
“Does Sara’s public opposition to Marcos foreshadow a political shift that could reshape the landscape for both the Duterte and Marcos camps?”
FROM steadfast ally to disillusioned critic, Vice President Sara Duterte’s relationship with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a dramatic turn.
Her abrupt resignation from the Cabinet was a seismic shift in Philippine politics, signaling deeper cracks in their political partnership.
The recent apology to Kingdom of Jesus Christ members for endorsing Marcos during the elections unveils the unraveling of what was once framed as a “unity and continuity” platform.
For Sara to so publicly distance herself from the president raises critical questions about her motives, her political strategy, and the potential consequences for both the Duterte and Marcos dynasties.
Fragile coalition
In 2022, the Marcos-Duterte tandem– backed by the UniTeam ticket—appeared to embody political pragmatism.
Sara Duterte, with her father’s formidable political machinery and her own support base in Mindanao, brought crucial votes to Marcos’ camp.
The alliance was one of convenience, predicated on mutual benefits, but it seems beneath the surface, there was discord from the beginning.
Duterte’s apology to the KOJC – where she admitted her belief in a shared vision with Marcos was mistaken – illuminates the ideological divide that has been widening.
The KOJC, a religious sect with strong political ties, notably supported the Duterte family.
Her attempt to rebuild bridges with KOJC, which may have felt alienated due to the Marcos administration’s handling of the Quiboloy situation, hints at her recalibration of alliances.
But was this merely damage control?
Or does her public opposition to Marcos foreshadow a political shift that could reshape the landscape for both the Duterte and Marcos camps?
Strategic power play?
Sara Duterte’s open opposition to Marcos’ policies and her abrupt exit from a key Cabinet post are no mere footnotes in the annals of Philippine politics.
They mark the rise of a potential formidable political player on the national stage who may be eyeing her next move.
To understand this opposition, it’s essential to analyze her strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT):
Strengths:
Political Legacy: As the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, she inherits a strong base of supporters, particularly in Mindanao. Her father’s tough-on-crime rhetoric and populist policies cemented a lasting influence, and Sara is well-positioned to capitalize on this.
Independent Identity: Her resignation and public opposition to Marcos signal a clear attempt to distance herself from the administration’s potential missteps, enabling her to craft an image of political independence. This could resonate with voters tired of traditional dynasties.
Grassroots Support: Sara has maintained a loyal following from her time as Davao City mayor, which will remain a critical pillar of any future political ambition.
Weaknesses:
Public Perception of Disloyalty: For some, her departure from Marcos’ Cabinet may be seen as opportunistic or disloyal, eroding trust. Such actions can fuel skepticism about her ability to sustain long-term alliances.
Polarizing Persona: Her strong, often uncompromising, demeanor can alienate potential allies. If she hopes to consolidate broader national support, she may need to soften her image and appeal to undecided voters.
