Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte has launched another scathing verbal attack against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., claiming that the incumbent chief executive has failed to deliver any meaningful achievements since taking office. Speaking before a regional gathering of the Rage Coalition in Davao City on Saturday, May 23, the local chief executive directed a substantial portion of his speech toward criticizing the current administration's policies and leadership direction.
During his address, Mayor Duterte expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state of national security and public order under the Marcos administration. He alleged that major societal challenges, including illegal narcotics, criminal activities, and systemic corruption, have seen a resurgence under the current leadership. Furthermore, the Davao City mayor voiced strong opposition to potential constitutional amendments, accusing the president of harboring intentions to extend his term of office.
The mayor's remarks represent a continuation of the widening political rift between the Duterte family and the Marcos administration, two political dynasties that ran under a united banner during the 2022 national elections. Mayor Duterte drew comparisons between the current administration's governance style and the previous administration, highlighting what he perceives as a decline in the enforcement of law and order.
Context & Historical Background
The political alliance known as the "UniTeam," which brought together President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte during the 2022 presidential elections, has faced significant strain over the past year. What began as a highly successful political coalition has increasingly fractured due to public disagreements on key policy areas, constitutional reform, and geopolitical alignments.
The Dutertes, particularly former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to several initiatives championed by the Marcos administration. One of the central flashpoints of contention is the proposed "Charter Change" or constitutional reform, which critics argue could be utilized to alter term limits for elected officials, while proponents maintain it is strictly aimed at economic liberalization.
Additionally, shifts in foreign policy and domestic security strategies have widened the gap between the two political camps. While the previous Duterte administration focused heavily on a highly publicized campaign against illegal drugs and maintained closer diplomatic ties with China, the Marcos administration has pivoted toward strengthening traditional defense alliances with Western nations and implementing a different approach to internal security. This public critique by Mayor Duterte underscores the deep-seated political realignments occurring ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
According to a report by Inquirer, these statements reflect the intensifying political rivalry as local and national leaders position themselves for the country's evolving political landscape.