The Marcos-Duterte rift is going more intense as the former president, an ally of Marcos during the 2022 presidential campaign, was flown out of the country to the Haque.
The recent news about the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by Interpol has sparked heated debates and divided opinions across social media. To provide clarity amidst the noise, let’s break down the facts and explore the different angles of this complex situation. (Tagalog version)
The ICC and Duterte’s Withdrawal
- The Philippines was a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) until 2018, when then-President Duterte withdrew the country’s membership. This move was widely seen as an attempt to shield him from potential prosecution related to his controversial war on drugs..
- When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022, he asked the ICC to halt its investigation into Duterte’s drug war. However, the ICC rejected this request, maintaining its jurisdiction over the case. Marcos Jr. has consistently argued that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, as the country has withdrawn from the Rome Statute.
The Marcos-Duterte Rift
- The once-strong alliance between Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, dubbed the "Uniteam," has visibly soured. Sara’s public support for her father, including her applause for his accusations that Marcos Jr. is a "bangag" (drug addict), has strained their relationship. Marcos Jr., however, has defended Sara on multiple occasions, such as her "no comment" stance on Chinese harassment of Filipino fishermen and the controversy surrounding her ₱125 million confidential fund.
- The rift deepened when Congress denied Sara’s request for a confidential fund in November 2023, citing a Commission on Audit (COA) report that revealed she spent ₱125 million in just 11 days. This decision led to Sara lashing out, making inflammatory statements against Marcos Jr., including threats to "cut his head" and "exhume Marcos Sr.’s body and cast it into the sea." She also claimed to have contracted someone to target Liza Araneta, Bongbong Marcos, and Martin Romualdez if she were killed.
The Duterte Side’s Perspective
- The Dutertes and their allies suspect that House Speaker Martin Romualdez is behind efforts to discredit Sara, driven by his alleged ambition to succeed Marcos Jr. in the future. Martin has denied these accusations, but the tension persists.
- Some believe that the Dutertes’ growing opposition to Marcos Jr. is also fueled by the possibility of an impending ICC warrant of arrest for Rodrigo Duterte. They see the current administration’s actions as a betrayal, especially after Marcos Jr. defended Sara in the past.
Marcos Jr.’s Stance on Interpol
- President Marcos Jr. has clarified that the arrest of Duterte is not related to the ICC but is a commitment to Interpol, of which the Philippines is a member. He emphasized that complying with Interpol is crucial for the country’s international standing, especially in cases like the capture of Guo Huaping, Arnie Teves and those Myanmar human traffickers, where international cooperation is essential.
The Bigger Picture
The current situation is a culmination of political tensions, personal grievances, and legal complexities. While some view the arrest as a political maneuver, others see it as a necessary step to uphold international commitments. The Duterte camp’s accusations against Marcos Jr. and his allies reflect a deep-seated mistrust, while Marcos Jr.’s actions are framed as a balancing act between domestic politics and international obligations.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to approach this issue with a critical mind, separating facts from speculation. The Marcos-Duterte rift is not just a political drama but a reflection of the challenges facing Philippine governance and diplomacy. As citizens, let’s demand transparency and accountability from all sides while avoiding the spread of misinformation that only deepens division.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Let’s keep the discussion respectful and fact-based.
#PhilippinePolitics #MarcosDuterteRift #ICC #Interpol #Transparency #Accountability
Supporting sources to dispel fake news.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/18/icc-rejects-manilas-attempt-to-block-investigation-on-drug-war
