Table of Contents
Introduction: The High-Stakes Marcos Duterte Feud
The Marcos Duterte Feud has escalated from political disagreements into a full-blown power struggle that threatens not only Philippine governance but also the delicate balance of geopolitics in Asia. What began as a powerful alliance has now turned into a bitter rivalry, with implications for U.S.-China relations, South China Sea security, and the country’s democratic stability.
Origins of the Marcos Duterte Alliance
Uniteam: A Political Marriage of Convenience
In the 2022 elections, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte formed the Uniteam, an alliance uniting two of the most influential political dynasties in the Philippines. This partnership combined the Marcos base in the north with the Duterte stronghold in the south, ensuring a landslide victory.
The 2022 Elections and Their Victory
Their coalition promised stability and continuity, riding on the legacies of their powerful fathers—Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Rodrigo Duterte. However, the marriage of convenience soon revealed cracks.
Cracks in the Alliance: From Unity to Feud
Sara Duterte’s Bid for Defense Post
Vice President Sara Duterte wanted the Defense Secretary role, but President Marcos assigned her to the Department of Education, creating early friction.
Allegations of Misuse of Funds
Her leadership in education quickly came under scrutiny, with allegations of financial mismanagement, which Sara strongly denied.
The Vice President’s Public Outburst
In a fiery online broadcast, Sara Duterte accused Marcos of incompetence, claiming the country was “going to hell” under his leadership.
The Shocking Assassination Threat
Sara Duterte’s Fiery Personality
Known for her bold personality, Sara escalated tensions by declaring she had prepared a contract killer to assassinate President Marcos Jr. if she herself was murdered.
Fallout of the Threat Against Marcos Jr.
This unprecedented statement shocked Filipinos and fueled debates over the legality—and morality—of such threats from a sitting Vice President.
Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC Arrest & Backlash
The Hague and Human Rights Charges
The turning point came when former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. He faced charges related to thousands of deaths from his brutal anti-drug campaign. Extradited to The Hague, Duterte’s trial became a global headline, fueling divisions back home.
Sara Duterte’s Political Boost After ICC Drama
Instead of weakening the Duterte family, the arrest gave Sara a sympathy boost. Supporters framed the ICC handover as an attack on Philippine sovereignty, painting Marcos as a traitor to the nation. This narrative resonated with many Filipinos, who saw Sara as the defender of her father’s legacy.
The Foreign Policy Divide
Marcos Jr.’s Pro-US Strategy
President Marcos Jr. has leaned heavily toward Washington. He expanded the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), granting the U.S. military access to nine strategic bases in the Philippines, some dangerously close to Taiwan and the South China Sea. This positioned the country as a critical ally in America’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Sara Duterte’s Neutral/Pro-China Stance
In contrast, Sara Duterte echoes her father’s China-friendly approach. She advocates for neutrality, arguing the Philippines shouldn’t be dragged into a U.S.-China power struggle. Her stance appeals to those wary of overreliance on Washington, especially amid aggressive U.S. tariffs.
The South China Sea Flashpoint
Chinese Naval Aggression Against Philippine Vessels
Tensions flared as Filipino patrol boats clashed with Chinese naval vessels. Incidents included collisions, water cannon attacks, and harassment within disputed waters. The Philippines, with its modest navy, was clearly outmatched.
The 10-Dash Line and UN Rulings
China continues to assert sweeping claims using its controversial “10-dash line.” Despite a 2016 UN tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines, Beijing ignores the verdict, building artificial islands and militarizing reefs. This leaves the Philippines in a vulnerable position, caught between asserting its sovereignty and avoiding escalation.
US-Philippines Relations Under Pressure
Marcos’s Dealings with Trump
Marcos Jr. sought to strengthen ties with the U.S., even flying to meet President Donald Trump in July. Yet his diplomatic charm offensive faltered as Trump upheld steep tariffs on Philippine exports.
Tariff Wars and Economic Tensions
With tariffs hitting as high as 19%, Filipino industries faced setbacks. This contradicted expectations that aligning more closely with U.S. defense policy would yield economic benefits. Instead, Trump’s trade-first approach undercut Marcos’s political standing at home.
Public Sentiment and Political Futures
Sara Duterte’s Rising Popularity
Sara Duterte has skillfully turned adversity into opportunity. By positioning herself as the strong-willed, China-neutral alternative, she gained traction with voters who felt betrayed by Marcos’s handling of her father’s arrest and U.S. relations.
Marcos Jr.’s Declining Approval Ratings
Meanwhile, Marcos’s popularity has dipped. Critics argue that his alignment with Trump hasn’t delivered prosperity, while his feud with Sara portrays his administration as unstable. With 2028 approaching, the political landscape increasingly favors Sara Duterte.
Geopolitical Stakes Beyond the Philippines
The Taiwan Factor
The Philippines sits just south of Taiwan, making it strategically vital in any potential conflict with China. U.S. access to Philippine bases strengthens its regional defense posture, but also risks making the country a frontline target in a Taiwan crisis.
The Philippines as a US Ally in Asia
Since World War II, the Philippines has been a crucial U.S. ally, safeguarding trade routes and maritime stability. But the Marcos Duterte Feud threatens to destabilize this partnership, raising questions about Manila’s long-term alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Marcos Duterte Feud about?
The feud revolves around clashing leadership styles, Sara Duterte’s resentment over being sidelined, her public threats against Marcos Jr., and diverging foreign policy views between the U.S. and China.
2. Why was Rodrigo Duterte arrested by the ICC?
He faces charges over extrajudicial killings during his controversial “war on drugs,” which human rights groups claim left thousands dead.
3. How does the feud affect U.S.-Philippines relations?
While Marcos strengthens military ties with Washington, Sara’s China-leaning stance complicates the alliance. The feud undermines the Philippines’ consistency in foreign policy.
4. What role does the South China Sea play in this conflict?
The disputed waters are central to Philippine sovereignty and U.S.-China competition. The feud influences how assertively Manila defends its claims against Beijing.
5. Who is more popular, Marcos Jr. or Sara Duterte?
Recent shifts suggest Sara Duterte is gaining momentum, especially after her father’s ICC arrest boosted public sympathy.
6. Could the feud affect global geopolitics?
Yes. The Philippines’ stance directly impacts U.S.-China relations, the Taiwan question, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
Conclusion: What the Marcos Duterte Feud Means for the Future
The Marcos Duterte Feud is more than just a clash of personalities—it is reshaping Philippine democracy, foreign policy, and the nation’s global role. With Sara Duterte rising in popularity and Marcos Jr. facing declining approval, the country’s direction hangs in the balance.
For Filipinos, this feud represents not only domestic instability but also the challenge of navigating between two superpowers—America and China—while maintaining sovereignty in contested waters. For the world, the Philippines is a frontline state in Asia’s great power struggle, and whichever way it leans will shape the region’s future.
