Manila, September 19, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has issued a sharp threat to her political rival, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., by vowing to exhume the remains of his late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and throw them into the sea. This comes as the two former allies, who ran together in the 2022 election, have now become bitter political opponents, escalating tensions ahead of next year’s midterm elections and the presidential race in 2028.
Duterte and Marcos Jr. secured a landslide victory on a joint ticket in the 2022 elections. However, their relationship deteriorated, with Duterte resigning from the cabinet in June 2023. The rift between the two powerful political dynasties has deepened as they now battle for influence.
Duterte’s Scathing Attack on Marcos Jr.
In a press conference on Friday, Sara Duterte launched her most severe criticism of Marcos Jr. to date, accusing his administration of leading the country down a “road to hell.” She slammed him for lacking clear policies to address critical issues like inflation and food security. Duterte even expressed anger over an incident where she felt Marcos Jr. had humiliated a young graduate, which made her realize their relationship had become toxic.
“I wanted to remove his head,” Duterte said, recounting her frustration with the president. She went on to describe how the situation escalated in her mind, repeatedly stating that she imagined cutting off his head as a sign of how bad things had gotten.
Escalating Tensions Between the Duterte and Marcos Dynasties
The stakes are especially high for the Duterte family. Sara Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to his notorious “war on drugs.” Thousands of people were killed during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency in what he described as a crackdown on illegal drugs. He has denied authorizing extrajudicial killings but frequently threatened drug dealers with death during his term.
Sara Duterte’s feud with Marcos Jr. has worsened amid allegations that she presided over the misuse of public funds, which she denies. Meanwhile, parliamentary hearings have revived questions about the conduct of Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs,” with claims that police officers received payments of up to $17,000 for killing drug suspects.
Though President Marcos Jr. has previously refused to cooperate with the ICC’s investigation into the Duterte administration’s actions, analysts believe he might reconsider if his political opponents appear vulnerable.
Threat to Marcos Sr.’s Burial Site
Sara Duterte’s most shocking statement during the press conference was her threat to exhume Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s remains and throw them into the West Philippine Sea (the Filipino name for part of the South China Sea, which is contested by multiple nations). “One of these days, I will go there. I will get the body of your father and throw it in the West Philippine Sea,” she warned.
This threat is particularly significant because it targets the controversial burial of Marcos Sr., the late dictator who ruled the Philippines for two decades. Marcos Sr. was accused of embezzling up to $10 billion from public funds and overseeing widespread human rights violations during his presidency. His burial with military honors in 2016, approved by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, sparked outrage across the nation.
No Response from Marcos Jr.
In the wake of Duterte’s harsh remarks, Cesar Chavez, the Presidential Communications Secretary, stated that Marcos Jr. would not be responding to the vice president’s comments.
The growing animosity between the two former allies has raised concerns about political instability in the Philippines as both camps prepare for next year’s midterm elections and the presidential contest in 2028. With the Duterte and Marcos families now at odds, the future of Philippine politics may be marked by intense rivalry and potential shifts in alliances.
FAQs
1. What caused the rift between Sara Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.?
The relationship between Duterte and Marcos Jr. soured after the 2022 elections, leading to Duterte’s resignation from the cabinet. Their political feud has since escalated, with both vying for influence ahead of the midterm elections.
2. Why did Sara Duterte threaten to throw Marcos Sr.’s remains into the sea?
In a scathing press conference, Sara Duterte expressed her frustration with Marcos Jr.’s administration and escalated the conflict by threatening to exhume the late dictator Marcos Sr.’s remains and throw them into the sea.
3. What is the significance of Marcos Sr.’s burial?
Marcos Sr. was buried with military honors in 2016 under the approval of Rodrigo Duterte, despite widespread protests. Marcos Sr. was accused of embezzlement and human rights abuses during his presidency.
4. What are the implications of Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC investigation?
The ICC is investigating Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his “war on drugs.” This has added pressure on the Duterte family, potentially influencing Sara Duterte’s current political moves.
5. How has President Marcos Jr. responded to Sara Duterte’s threats?
Marcos Jr. has chosen not to respond to Sara Duterte’s remarks, according to his presidential communications secretary, Cesar Chavez.
