Written for The Diplomat
The political rivalry of the Marcos and Duterte families has become fiercer, nastier, and more personal. The two powerful dynasties formed a coalition and clinched a landslide victory in the 2022 elections, but this so-called “uniteam” imploded in the last quarter of 2023 until the rift intensified and led to an open clash in early 2024.
Beyond the exchange of harsh words among the Marcos and Duterte family members, the main concern of the public is the upholding of good governance and the promotion of accountability among elected officials. Their rivalry is less important than holding them responsible for how they manage the funds entrusted to them by the public.
High-level Corruption Probe Leads to Insults and Death Threats
Written for The Diplomat
Vice President Sara Duterte made more controversial remarks about President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after a committee hearing at the House of Representatives revealed more details on the alleged misuse of funds by her office.
if Congress really wanted to gain more credibility, it should expand its probe by reviewing the confidential funds of the office of the president or realigning a portion of the fund item to key social services. Congress should also scrutinize the pork barrel funds embedded in the national budget. This is the most effective way to discredit Duterte the next time she makes another “hyperbolic” statement about her relations with the Marcoses and the country’s state of affairs.