In a recent announcement, Sara Duterte revealed that not only is her father eyeing a Senate position, but also her brothers Sebastian and Paolo Duterte are preparing for senatorial bids. Sebastian Duterte, known as Baste, currently serves as the mayor of Davao City, a position previously held by both Rodrigo and Sara Duterte. Meanwhile, Paolo Duterte represents the city's first district in Congress.
The family's political strategy extends beyond the Senate races, with Sara Duterte hinting at ambitions for the presidency in 2028, echoing sentiments reportedly shared by her mother. This move sets the stage for a potentially contentious electoral showdown in May 2025, where all 316 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 Senate seats are up for grabs, alongside numerous local and regional positions.
The rift between the Duterte and Marcos camps has been widening since their victorious "Uniteam" alliance in the 2022 elections. Disagreements over policy issues, including Sara Duterte's handling of confidential funds and the Marcos administration's constitutional reform plans, have exacerbated tensions, leading to Sara Duterte's resignation from key government posts.
Despite initially indicating his retirement from politics after his presidential term ended in 2022, Rodrigo Duterte has remained vocal, criticizing the Marcos administration and accusing its allies of power consolidation attempts. His resurgence into electoral politics reflects the family's determination to reclaim influence and potentially disrupt Marcos' legislative agenda should they secure seats in the Senate.
Observers note the Duterte clan's historical dominance in Davao City politics and their ability to mobilize substantial support bases, factors that could significantly impact the political landscape leading up to the 2028 presidential race. However, critics argue that the Duterte's latest political maneuvers may signify desperation rather than a coherent vision for the nation's future.
As Rodrigo Duterte prepares to re-enter the political arena at the age of 80, his health and longevity in public service remain subjects of scrutiny. Nevertheless, his return underscores the uncertainties surrounding the Duterte dynasty's political trajectory and their ongoing quest for relevance amidst evolving national dynamics.
In the broader context of Philippine politics, the Duterte-Marcos rift highlights the volatility and rapid shifts in political alliances, underscoring the fluid nature of power dynamics within the country's democratic framework.
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