Marcoses vs. Dutertes in Current Philippine Politics: A Power Struggle or Alliance?

 In the political landscape of the Philippines, two powerful families— the Marcoses and the Dutertes—have long been dominant forces. Their influence spans decades, shaping national policies, steering political debates, and leading the country through tumultuous times. As of 2024, this complex relationship continues to play a crucial role in Philippine politics. But are the Marcoses and Dutertes rivals or allies in this current era? Let's take a closer look. 

The Marcoses: A Legacy Reborn

The Marcos family, particularly through the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s presidency (1965–1986), left a controversial legacy that still divides the nation. His martial law regime is remembered for its human rights abuses, corruption, and cronyism, but also for infrastructure development and nationalistic policies. Following the 1986 People Power Revolution, which ousted Marcos Sr., the family lay low for a time but never lost their political ambitions.

Fast forward to the present: Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is now the 17th President of the Philippines. His 2022 victory marks a full-circle moment for the Marcos family, returning to the pinnacle of power after decades of political rehabilitation. Bongbong Marcos, along with his sister Imee Marcos (currently a senator), has strategically rebuilt their family's political brand by appealing to nostalgia for the past, promising national unity, and leveraging a strong social media presence.

The Dutertes: From Davao to National Prominence

The Duterte family, led by former President Rodrigo Duterte (2016–2022), hails from Davao City in Mindanao. The Dutertes rose to national prominence when Rodrigo Duterte ran on a platform of law and order, promising to eradicate drugs and criminality through his controversial and brutal "War on Drugs." His iron-fisted approach appealed to many Filipinos, leading to a highly polarized yet effective six-year term.

After his presidency, Rodrigo’s daughter, Sara Duterte, emerged as a political powerhouse, first as Davao City mayor and now as the Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of Education. Like her father, Sara holds immense political influence, with strong support from both the military and local political leaders.

The Political Intersection: Allies or Rivals?

At first glance, the Marcos and Duterte families seem to have little in common. The Marcoses are traditionally viewed as representing the elite from Luzon, while the Dutertes embody southern, populist politics. However, their relationship has oscillated between partnership and potential rivalry in recent years.

Allied Forces in 2022 Elections

In 2022, the Marcos-Duterte alliance was a political masterstroke. Sara Duterte, instead of running for president (as many had expected), opted for the vice presidency, forming a powerful ticket with Bongbong Marcos. The partnership was built on mutual benefit: Marcos Jr. needed the support of Mindanao voters and Sara’s political machinery, while Sara needed a platform that would ensure her national prominence. Together, they swept the elections with an overwhelming mandate, solidifying their dominance in Philippine politics.

Tensions Beneath the Surface

Despite their electoral success, underlying tensions between the Marcoses and Dutertes have become more evident in the years following the election. Sara Duterte’s role in the current administration, while significant, has been somewhat sidelined. Observers note that she could be positioning herself for a future presidential bid, which could eventually put her in direct competition with other Marcos-allied candidates.

Moreover, the ideological differences between the two families are stark. The Marcoses project themselves as more technocratic and forward-looking, focusing on economic recovery and digital infrastructure. On the other hand, the Dutertes continue to resonate with populism and a no-nonsense governance style, with Sara pushing for reforms in education and discipline in public policy.

The 2028 Election: A Power Struggle in the Making?

As the 2028 presidential election looms on the horizon, political analysts are already speculating about a potential Marcos-Duterte showdown. While both families are currently allied, the political ambitions of Sara Duterte cannot be ignored. She is widely considered a strong contender for the presidency, especially given her father’s lasting influence and her own rising popularity.

Whether the Marcoses will allow this power shift is another question. Bongbong Marcos Jr. may support another candidate from within his own circle to maintain control over the presidency and protect his family's legacy. A Duterte-Marcos rivalry would certainly divide their voter base, making the outcome of the 2028 elections unpredictable.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Future

For now, the Marcos and Duterte families remain major players in Philippine politics, balancing between cooperation and quiet competition. Their alliance in the 2022 election was a marriage of convenience, but as the political landscape evolves, so too might their relationship. Whether they become rivals or remain strategic allies, one thing is certain: the influence of the Marcoses and Dutertes will continue to shape the future of the Philippines for years to come.

As the 2028 elections approach, Filipinos will watch closely to see how this evolving political saga unfolds. Will the Marcoses hold onto power? Or will a Duterte rise to the presidency once more? Only time will tell in this intricate dance of political dynasties.