In the Philippines, tensions between the influential Duterte and Marcos political families have increased again. Vice President Sara Duterte said during a press conference in Manila on October 18, 2024 that she was considering digging up the body of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and throwing it into the West Philippine Sea if the public attacks by the Marcos family did not end. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla categorized this statement as “disturbing” and announced that the legal consequences of these remarks would be examined.
The Vice President’s remarks echo the actions of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was criticized in 2016 when he approved the burial of controversial former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” (Cemetery of Heroes). This decision was strongly denounced because Marcos Sr. is held responsible for serious human rights violations and the misappropriation of public funds.
On October 7, 2024, Rodrigo Duterte himself announced his candidacy for the next mayoral election in Davao City – an office he has already held for over 20 years. Duterte will run together with his son Sebastian, the current mayor, who will now run as vice-mayoral candidate. The election will take place in May 2025; if elected, Rodrigo Duterte intends to continue his campaign against illegal drugs.
At the same time, Vice President Sara Duterte, in her role as Education Secretary, is under parliamentary observation for using confidential state funds. On October 20, 2024, members of the House of Representatives demanded clarification on her spending, particularly in relation to P15.54 million spent on a leadership summit for young people of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last year. The Commission on Audit (COA) reported that the actual use of these funds is still unclear.
The conflict highlights the ongoing debate about the influence of political dynasties in the Philippines. Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution formulates the goal of guaranteeing political families equal access to positions of power and preventing the establishment of dynasties. Despite this goal, political dynasties have primarily ruled the country to date. The so-called list system, which was intended to give marginalized groups a voice in Congress, has also been increasingly instrumentalized by powerful families.
Photo © Raffy Lerma