Marcos Jr.’s Desperate Power Play: Why He’s Attacking Duterte and What It Means for 2028

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​In the intricate landscape of Philippine politics, the once formidable alliance between President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte has unraveled into a fierce rivalry. This political schism is not merely a spectacle; it is a calculated maneuver by Marcos Jr. to consolidate power, deflect from administrative shortcomings, and strategically position himself for the 2028 presidential race.​

1. The Fragile Foundation of the 2022 Victory

Marcos Jr.'s ascent to the presidency in 2022 was significantly bolstered by his partnership with Sara Duterte. Her decision to run as his vice president unified their political bases, particularly enhancing support in Mindanao and the Visayas. This alliance was instrumental in transforming Marcos Jr.'s political fortunes, especially after his 2016 vice-presidential defeat to Leni Robredo. However, the dissolution of this partnership has prompted Marcos Jr. to reassess and reassert his political dominance, now perceiving the Duterte faction as a potential threat that must be neutralized.​

2. Deflecting Administrative Failures

The Marcos administration is currently grappling with significant challenges:​

Economic Turbulence: Inflation and escalating food prices have led to widespread public dissatisfaction.​

Corruption Allegations: The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos Jr.'s cousin, faces scrutiny over budget irregularities and allegations of self-serving allocations. Notably, former President Rodrigo Duterte criticized the recent budget signing as "anomalous," accusing Marcos Jr. of passing incomplete appropriations. ​

Internal Discord: The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte on February 5, 2025, on charges including budget anomalies and alleged threats against President Marcos Jr., has intensified political tensions. Sara Duterte has challenged the impeachment's validity, filing a petition with the Supreme Court to halt the impending Senate trial. ​

In this context, Marcos Jr.'s offensive against the Duterte faction serves as a strategic diversion, shifting public discourse from his administration's vulnerabilities to a high-profile political feud.​

3. Strategizing for the 2028 Presidential Election

The political chessboard extends beyond immediate concerns to the 2028 presidential election. Sara Duterte, with her substantial political clout, is a formidable contender. Her potential success in the midterm elections could rejuvenate the Duterte political machinery, posing a direct challenge to Marcos Jr.'s aspirations for sustained influence. By undermining the Duterte brand now, Marcos Jr. aims to diminish her prospects and fortify his position ahead of the next electoral cycle.​

4. Legal Battles: High-Stakes Gambits

The political rivalry has escalated into legal confrontations:​

Impeachment Proceedings: Sara Duterte's impeachment, initiated by the House, includes allegations of budget anomalies and threats against the President and his inner circle. She contends that the impeachment is politically motivated, designed to sideline her from future political contests. ​

Supreme Court Intervention: Duterte's petition to the Supreme Court seeks to invalidate the impeachment, arguing procedural violations and constitutional breaches. A ruling in her favor could not only exonerate her but also implicate Marcos Jr.'s administration in potential abuses of power.​

These legal entanglements add layers of complexity to the political turmoil, with outcomes that could redefine the power dynamics within the Philippine government.​

5. Potential Repercussions: A Double-Edged Sword

Marcos Jr.'s aggressive stance against the Duterte faction carries inherent risks:​

Entrenched Loyalty: The Duterte base, particularly in Mindanao and the Visayas, remains steadfast. Perceived attacks on their leaders could galvanize this support, potentially leading to electoral setbacks for Marcos-aligned candidates in the midterms.​

Perception of Betrayal: The public may view Marcos Jr.'s actions as opportunistic, capitalizing on the alliance when beneficial and discarding it when convenient. This could erode trust and damage his political capital.​

Empowerment of Opposition: A fractured administration may create a political vacuum, enabling independent and opposition candidates to gain traction, thereby diluting Marcos Jr.'s influence in legislative bodies.​

Conclusion: A Calculated Political Maneuver

Marcos Jr.'s current strategy appears to be a calculated effort to secure his political future by neutralizing potential threats, diverting attention from administrative issues, and positioning himself advantageously for the 2028 elections. However, this approach is fraught with risks that could inadvertently strengthen opposition forces and destabilize his administration. The unfolding events in the upcoming midterm elections will be a litmus test for the efficacy of this strategy and its long-term implications for Philippine politics.​

Mission Impossible: The Fight for Truth, Memory, and Justice

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the world prays fervently for Pope Francis, who remains in critical condition due to worsening lung health, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Before being advised to slow down, the Pope spearheaded the Jubilee of the World of Communications in January at the Vatican, where Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa delivered a powerful speech on the global fight against disinformation.

Pope Francis has been a moral beacon, urging Catholics to stand up for human rights, denounce the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and even calling for an international investigation into potential genocide against the Palestinian people. His fearless advocacy has resonated deeply with Filipino Catholics, who recently demonstrated their defiance against historical erasure by declaring February 25—a date deliberately unrecognized by the Marcos administration—as a holiday to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

The Marcos Administration’s Dance Around History

Since taking office in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has continuously attempted to reshape the national memory of EDSA. In 2023, he shifted its commemoration to February 24 under the guise of "holiday economics," surprising many by sending a wreath to the People Power Monument and extending a supposed "hand of reconciliation." This act, however, was met with strong resistance from his own sister, Senator Imee Marcos, who publicly rejected any celebration of the revolution that toppled their father’s dictatorship.

Last year, the government quietly scrapped February 25 as a holiday, downplaying the historical event. This year, Marcos Jr. is once again avoiding its significance, instead focusing on his political campaigns for his handpicked senatorial candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Meanwhile, the shadow of another strongman looms in the background—former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now ironically warning the nation that Marcos Jr. is on a path toward declaring martial law.

Duterte’s Opportunistic Playbook

It is a bitter irony that Duterte, who undermined democratic institutions, emboldened police and military corruption, and oversaw a bloody drug war that killed thousands, now attempts to position himself as an opposition figure. He weaponizes fear, warning of Marcos Jr.'s potential autocratic rule while conveniently omitting his own dictatorial tendencies.

Duterte’s camp has been staging indignation rallies, launching their senatorial slate at Club Filipino—a venue symbolic of Cory Aquino’s rise to the presidency post-EDSA—and using anti-Marcos rhetoric as a political tool. But the question remains: Where is the true opposition? Those who once upheld the ideals of EDSA seem caught in an identity crisis, split between the remnants of the "yellow" movement and the emergent "pink" wave, leaving them politically paralyzed.

Erasing EDSA: A Mission Impossible

Attempts to erase the memory of EDSA from the Filipino consciousness are ultimately futile. As historian Antonio Montalvan II notes, "Collective memory comes from people. EDSA represents the Filipino’s happy days, and happy days are not meant to be forgotten but memorialized."

The Marcoses and their allies may try to rewrite history, but they cannot erase the lived experiences of millions who stood against tyranny in 1986. The spirit of EDSA endures in every act of defiance against historical distortion, in every student who demands accountability, and in every journalist who refuses to be silenced.

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The fight for truth is far from over. It is up to us to ensure that history is remembered, justice is pursued, and the future remains in the hands of those who refuse to be silenced.

*From Rappler's Best

UP SAMASKOM’s Golden Anniversary Shines with Live A.I.D.S. 35: "A Laugh Story"

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

For half a century, the University of the Philippines' Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon (UP SAMASKOM) has been a pillar of creative excellence, producing some of the country's most talented comedians, performers, and storytellers. In 2025, as SAMASKOM marks its milestone 50th anniversary, the organization is set to bring back its longest-running, much-anticipated comedy variety show—Live A.I.D.S. (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM)—for its 35th installment, titled "A Laugh Story."

Set to take center stage at the Ignacio B. Gimenez-KAL Theater in UP Diliman this May 2025, Live A.I.D.S. 35 promises a fresh and dynamic take on the humor and satire that have made the show a beloved institution.

The Kickoff: Celebrating 50 Years of Legacy

To usher in this historic event, Gold A.I.D.S.: The Live A.I.D.S. 35 Kickoff Party was held on February 15, 2024, at the Edge Skyview Bar, Ibis Styles Hotel. The evening was a grand reunion of resident members, alumni, and supporters who gathered to unveil exciting new projects and activities leading up to the show. The event also served as a platform to recognize the impact of Live A.I.D.S. in shaping Philippine entertainment and fostering a new generation of creative minds.

One of the key highlights of the night was the launch of an exclusive album that encapsulates the Live A.I.D.S. experience. This special collection features a mix of beloved classics from previous editions alongside new compositions crafted specifically for Live A.I.D.S. 35, reflecting the essence of comedy, music, and storytelling that have defined the show for decades.

Meet the Visionary Behind Live A.I.D.S. 35

This year, television writer Ken De Leon makes his directorial debut with Live A.I.D.S. 35, bringing a fresh perspective and sharp storytelling skills honed in the Philippine entertainment industry. Known for his innovative approach to humor and drama, De Leon describes "A Laugh Story" as more than just a comedy show—it's a journey through the stories that shape Filipinos’ lives.

“From the bedtime stories that lulled us to sleep as children to the everyday chismis that fuels our curiosity, stories are central to our connections and understanding of the world. Live A.I.D.S. 35 is a celebration of these narratives, using humor and heart to remind us of the shared experiences that unite us all.” – Ken De Leon, Director

The upcoming installment is expected to push the boundaries of satire and social commentary while keeping the audience in stitches. With a mix of witty political and social humor, musical performances, and laugh-out-loud skits, "A Laugh Story" will take audiences on a nostalgic and relevant journey that reflects the Filipino experience.

A Legacy of Excellence: SAMASKOM’s Influence on Philippine Entertainment

Live A.I.D.S. is more than just an annual comedy variety show—it has become a launching pad for some of the most recognizable names in Philippine media and entertainment. Many of its alumni have made significant contributions to the industry, including:

KaladKaren (Jervi Wrightson) – TV host, LGBTQ+ advocate, and celebrated impersonator

Giselle Sanchez – Comedian, actress, and writer

Tuesday Vargas – Singer, actress, and stand-up comedian

RS Francisco – Theater and film actor, entrepreneur

Lauren Dyogi – Acclaimed director and network executive

The show continues to serve as a training ground for young talents who aspire to make their mark in the industry, giving them a stage to refine their craft and develop their unique comedic voices.

Live A.I.D.S. 35: A Must-Watch Spectacle

As UP SAMASKOM gears up for its biggest and most meaningful production yet, anticipation is at an all-time high. Tickets for Live A.I.D.S. 35: "A Laugh Story" will be available starting March 2025. The show promises to be a spectacular mix of nostalgia, innovation, and timeless humor—a testament to SAMASKOM’s five decades of fearless storytelling, artistic expression, and creative excellence.

For updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and ticket information, follow UP SAMASKOM’s official social media channels.

About U.P. SAMASKOM

Founded in 1974, the U.P. Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon (UP SAMASKOM) is the premier academic organization based at the College of Media and Communication (formerly College of Mass Communication), University of the Philippines Diliman. For 50 years, SAMASKOM has been at the forefront of innovative, socially relevant, and creative content production, helping shape the next generation of Filipino communicators, artists, and storytellers.

Don’t miss Live A.I.D.S. 35: "A Laugh Story"—the biggest comedy event of the year! Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate the power of storytelling this May 2025 at the IBG-KAL Theater, UP Diliman.