Loyalists of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte erupted in fury this week after his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, shocked the nation by endorsing political rivals Imee Marcos and Camille Villar.
A Family Divided: Sara’s "Personal" Endorsement Ignites Backlash
Sara Duterte’s decision to back Marcos and Villar—both tied to the Marcos political dynasty—has cracked open old wounds. “It was my personal choice,” she stated, but loyalists aren’t buying it. Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque warned, “Some may vote for them out of respect for the Dutertes, but this alliance is fragile as glass.”
The tension is palpable. Singer-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, a Duter10 candidate, called Sara’s move a “political strategy” that clashes with PDP-Laban’s official slate. “Unofficial endorsements reek of backroom deals,” he said, his words sharp as a blade.
The Duter-Ten Slate: "Vote Straight or Betray Us"
PDP-Laban’s lawyers are digging in. Raul Lambino, a key party figure, urged supporters to vote only for the Duter10 candidates—the 10 officially endorsed by Rodrigo Duterte. “Ten candidates, no compromises,” he declared. But whispers of disunity grow louder. Richard Mata, a grassroots organizer, fears Marcos and Villar owe their loyalty to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., not the Duterte bloc: “This isn’t just politics—it’s survival.”
Activists aren’t holding back. Renato Reyes of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan slammed the alliance as “convenience and opportunism,” accusing Sara of trying to “block impeachment and cling to power beyond 2028.”
The Bombshell That Split PDP-Laban
Just days before the uproar, Rodrigo Duterte finalized his own slate by adding ex-Senator Gregorio Honasan and retired Col. Ariel Querubin. The move was seen as a direct counter to Sara’s rebellion. “He’s drawing a line in the sand,” said a party insider. “But Sara’s dancing on the other side.”
The fallout is spreading like wildfire. In markets and online forums, supporters argue over loyalty versus ambition. “Sara’s playing chess while others play checkers,” said a vendor in Davao, her voice tinged with pride and panic.
What Comes Next?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. With elections looming, the Duterte-Marcos rivalry threatens to shatter PDP-Laban’s unity. Will Sara’s gamble pay off, or will loyalists abandon her? One thing’s certain: in Philippine politics, today’s ally could be tomorrow’s enemy.
As the sun sets over Manila, the air smells of burnt bridges—and the echoes of a father-daughter feud grow louder.
Latest News In The Philippines brought to you by Reshuff PH
