In a stunning twist to the Philippines’ most bitter political feud, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared he’s open to reconciling with the Duterte family. “I don’t want trouble. I want to get along with everyone,” Marcos said, sending shockwaves through a nation gripped by their dramatic falling out.
Political Bombshell Drops After Midterm Elections
Just days after a divisive midterm election where Duterte allies performed better than expected, Marcos made his surprise announcement on his BBM Podcast Monday. “I already have many enemies and I don’t need enemies. I need friends,” Marcos stated frankly, shifting the political landscape in an instant.
The offer comes amid extraordinary circumstances – Vice President Sara Duterte awaits an impeachment trial in the Senate while her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, sits in detention at The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity.
“I’m always open to any approach like, ‘Come on, let’s help each other out,'” Marcos added, suggesting a ceasefire in the family feud that has dominated Philippine politics.
From Unity to Bitter Rivals: The Broken Alliance
The political marriage between Marcos and Duterte began as the unstoppable “UniTeam” in 2022. The pair won by a landslide, only to see their alliance crumble within two years.
The relationship soured dramatically when:
The House of Representatives stripped VP Duterte’s offices of confidential funds
Former President Rodrigo Duterte called Marcos a “drug addict”
Sara Duterte resigned as Education Secretary, citing a “toxic” relationship with Marcos
Three impeachment complaints were filed against Sara Duterte over alleged misuse of funds
Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and transferred to the ICC in March 2025
"I Want a Bloodbath" - VP Sara's Defiance
While Marcos extends an olive branch, Vice President Sara Duterte has taken a confrontational stance toward her impeachment trial.
“I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath,” Duterte told reporters on Saturday, showing no signs of backing down. She described the impeachment as a “glorified disqualification case” aimed at preventing her from running for president in 2028.
The 70-page impeachment complaint accuses her of “culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder and malversation, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes”.
Experts Weigh In: Unity with Accountability?
Political analysts see potential benefits in reconciliation, but with important caveats.
“Of course, in our country it is good to have unity because the greatest challenge is outside, the country’s challenges are external,” said Stratbase ADRI president Dindo Manhit.
However, Manhit stressed that any reconciliation must be “based on the core principles of accountability and truth and also respect of institutions”.
Will Justice Be Sacrificed for Peace?
The timing of Marcos’ peace offering raises questions about the fate of accountability measures:
Will Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial proceed as scheduled on July 30?
Could this affect the ICC’s case against former President Rodrigo Duterte?
How might this impact ongoing investigations into the drug war that killed thousands?
Former president Rodrigo Duterte faces serious charges at the ICC. The arrest warrant accuses him of “criminal responsibility for the murder of at least 43 people between 2011 and 2019” as part of his war on drugs.
Political Calculation or Genuine Peace Offering?
The reconciliation offer comes after midterm election results showed the limits of Marcos’ political influence. Only six senatorial candidates endorsed by Marcos secured seats, while Duterte allies performed strongly.
In Mindanao, long considered Duterte territory, 36 out of 44 district lawmakers who supported Sara’s impeachment were still reelected – suggesting the feud hasn’t been politically fatal for most politicians.
What's Next for the Philippines?
As the nation holds its breath, all eyes turn to the Senate, where Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial looms. The trial could either cement the political divide or provide an opportunity for the reconciliation Marcos now says he desires.
With the former president in ICC detention and his daughter facing potential removal from office, the Dutertes find themselves in their most precarious position yet – even as their political influence proves remarkably resilient.
Whether this peace offering represents a genuine desire for national unity or a calculated political maneuver remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – Philippine politics continues to deliver drama at every turn.
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