Written for The Diplomat
After the collapse of the political alliance between the Marcos and Duterte families in the Philippines, it seems that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. now has to contend with the fallout from his elder sister Senator Imee Marcos’ decision to team up with Vice President Sara Duterte in denouncing the shortcomings of his administration.
Overall, the Marcos-Duterte ad was accurate in depicting the widespread hunger and impact of rising prices on ordinary citizens. Its message resonated with those who are deeply dissatisfied with the Marcos presidency. But as a political ad, it was also notable for failing to mention the real motives of Senator Imee and Vice President Duterte in coming out with a united stance on the country’s situation. We should also point out that it essentially reflects the sorry state of politics today: Families betray each other, enemies forge unprincipled alliances, political dynasties dominate local politics, and nepo politicians think the world revolves around them.
Corruption Allegations and Family Drama Hound President Marcos
Written for The Diplomat
The raging corruption scandal in the Philippines has reached the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., after a former lawmaker divulged that he delivered billions of pesos in kickbacks into the presidential palace. Meanwhile, Marcos’s sister alleged in a televised speech that the president and the first lady were drug users.
Amid these bombshell accusations, the president’s sister, Senator Imee Marcos, added fuel to the political crisis by alleging drug use on the part of her brother and sister-in-law. Senator Marcos has been criticizing the leadership of her brother since the fallout of the “unity government” headed by the president and Vice President Sara Duterte.