By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
The Marcos and Duterte dynasties, once touted as champions of unity and change, have crumbled into a spectacle of internal strife and power struggles.
Sunday’s Bagong Pilipinas rally, a supposed showcase of solidarity, reveals a glaring disconnect between President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, strong election allies turned to clear but undeclared adversaries.
The irony is palpable as they champion unity while embroiled in public spats and accusations of corruption… laziness and lack of love for country. Ain’t that right, Speaker Martin Romualdez? Ain’t that right, Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte?
There at Quirino Grandstand, Marcos echoed the hollow promises of a “New Philippines” while, in reality, it’s a playground for personal vendettas and conflicting agendas. His sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, was blunt enough to include in her prayers an enlightenment of the President to “distance himself from the demons around him in the Palace.”
The Duterte rally in Davao City, pitted against the administration-led event, highlights a divided nation. On that stage, the Vice President’s brother, Mayor Baste, ripped Bongbong Marcos apart and called for his resignation.
What’s clear is that as both camps feign concern for the people, their actions betray a self-indulgent pursuit of power a year before the critical mid-term elections next year, where political lines are drawn with the 2028 presidential race in view.
The strained relations between Marcos, Duterte, and their political allies only emphasize that their calls for unity are mere echoes in the face of internal discord. These rallies are not solutions to the daily challenges Filipinos face; they are self-serving charades that distract from the real issues.
The people deserve more than a political circus. They need leaders who prioritize their well-being over personal vendettas and power plays. Even the so-called “Cha-cha” push becomes farcical when tainted with allegations of corruption.
In this turbulent political theater, the Marcoses and Dutertes have lost any moral high ground to speak about unity and change. The rallies are not a beacon of hope but a glaring testament to the self-indulgence that has hijacked Philippine politics.
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