The political union between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte cracked creating a quiet rift. This coalition, which seemed solid when they first came into power, was caught in distress, reflecting a cold war between two influential political empires. However, as their administration advanced, cracks in their relationship became obvious, leading to a quiet but notable rift from their initial solidarity.
One substantial retreat was Vice President Duterte’s resignation from the Marcos-led political party, Lakas-CMD, which implied at fundamental tensions. Although she framed her exit as a move to focus on her role as Vice President and Secretary of Education, the resignation showed possible cacophony over governance and political strategies.
Another cause of this departure of the two powerful political figures was policy differences. Marcos, focused on economic recovery and foreign relations, has taken a more technocratic approach. On the other hand, Duterte has been vocal on education reform and national security issues, sometimes gesturing different urgencies or approaches to leadership.
Indeed, the delicate political distancing between Marcos and Duterte is not a dramatic public upshot but rather a deviation in their political trajectories. Their split reflects the multipart dynamics of Philippine politics, where coalitions are often deliberate and transitory, driven by individual desires and fluctuating priorities. Despite their departure from each other, both remain powerful figures, continuing to pursue their political objectives while preserving a subtle balance in the eyes of the public.
