A few months before the upcoming May elections, the Philippine political landscape is fraught with turmoil, rife with allegations and accusations that paint a harrowing picture of governance under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. What is becoming increasingly apparent is a dangerous fusion of power dynamics and vicious propaganda that threaten to undermine the very tenets of democracy in our nation.
Marcos’s leadership is inarguably under siege, characterized by a perception of inability to assert authority and direction amidst a cacophony of dissent. Accusations against First Lady Liza Marcos have surfaced, alleging blatant abuse of power in certain government positions . Furthermore, rumors of corruption within the House of Representatives are swirling, particularly the timely Presidential veto of P194-B projects in the 2025 GAA. There were also published accusations against legislators using AKAP and AICS programs in political campaigns, that somehow eroded to a certain extent the people’s faith in their representatives. (DSWD denied these allegations citing careful scrutiny and identification of all 5M AKAP beneficiaries plus millions more individuals and families in AICS).
These ongoing scandals intertwine ominously with three or four of impeachment complaints against VP Sara Duterte, accusing her of graft, incompetence, and amassing illegal wealth while in office. Equally troubling are allegations revolving around resource misallocation, particularly the unexplained misuse of a staggering P612.5 million in intelligence funds allocated to VP Sara then also as DepEd secretary. There is also the potential addiction to power underscored by lawyer Sara’s murder threats—which some have interpreted as dictator-esque—aimed at not only BBM and Liza Marcos but also House Speaker Romualdez. (VP Sara claims her remarks were taken out of context).
Recently she was removed from the National Security Council, along with former Presidents through EO 18 and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained, “At the moment, the VP is not considered relevant to the responsibilities of membership in the NSC.” A first-time exclusion since the NSC convened in July 1950 or 75 years ago created by another EO 330 and then signed by former Pres. Elpidio Quirino. Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo called this “dirty politics, another measure to diminish the political star power of VP Sara”.
Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Duterte, finds himself further entangled in chaos, as Quad committees probe his potential indictment for extrajudicial killings—an issue that can’t be swept under the proverbial rug. Deteriorating public trust is exacerbated by allegations surrounding both Duterte’s political legacies, from shady dealings involving pharmaceutical companies like Pharmally and Chinese-owned ventures to shadowy ties with organized crime linked to illegal drug importation. These events underscore a chilling realization: the old guard has in many ways failed our nation.
These new developments clearly indicate political precariousness and an ongoing “political war” between these families, particularly VP Sara, and President Bongbong Marcos. Recent poll surveys indicated sharp drops in their trust ratings (PBBM from 50 to 48 percent and VP Sara from 60 to 50 percent).
This Thursday, the powerful Iglesia ni Cristo will launch a nationwide mass action against the impeachment complaints against VP Sara and a call for peace in the nation.
There have even been moves from Mindanao politicians calling for secession.
There is also an apparent alliance of disgruntled military personnel rallying against the current regime indicating a brewing storm, one orchestrated partially by former President Duterte’s own rhetoric calling for proscribed change at the top. Will this military upheaval put VP Sara in Malacañang by virtue of “constitutional succession”, just like VP Arroyo ousted President Estrada?
But will the United States and new President Donald Trump – or indeed any nation that values human rights and democracy—turn a blind eye to this impending Philippine crisis? Would the present Philippine allies tolerate or accept the return of a pro-China leader when incursions and bullying continue in the West Philippine Sea?
We now stand at a crossroads dictated by scandal, disinformation, and angry actors desperately vying for attention amid chaos. It is the burden of responsible citizenship to slice through the noise, discern fact from fiction, and engage thoughtfully in this landscape to ensure their voices resonate without confusion. For the sake of our nation, we must be invested in understanding these political machinations, recognizing their moral implications, and responding with the rigor required to safeguard both our democracy and our future.
This is not just a matter of political rivalry; it is a struggle for the very essence of what it means to be Filipino at a time when our national identity is being molded by the narratives set forth by those in power. Each citizen is called upon to perform their civic duty, not merely in casting a vote but in fervently rejecting the misinformation that paralyzes informed discourse and erodes trust in our democracy. Let us carefully choose only qualified and instantly reject candidates who are not just making politics a family business but another platform for their antics.
In this climate of uncertainty, let us not forget our inherent power as voters.
It is within our rights to question the integrity of candidates and challenge their policies that do not serve the public good. Let us hold firm against the return of oppression that threaten to drown out our voices in the coming elections. An impending storm of population mind control and manipulation through fear tactics openly employed by disgruntled powers thirsting for dominance at any cost.
As we approach May, the lessons from our turbulent but recent past must fuel our drive for transparency, ethical governance, and unwavering accountability from elected officials. Citizens must arm themselves with knowledge and truth, stand vigilant against deceitful practices shaping our democracy, and exercise the fundamental right to demand better leaders. We must foster a political culture where the rule of law thrives, and integrity and service to the people are valued above all else. Our country’s future lies not solely in the hands of a handful of elites or even military , but rather in the hands of all who have the power to shape it.