In the intricate web of Philippine politics, the timing of Vice President Sara Duterte’s announcement and resignation as Secretary of Education is a masterstroke that showcases the strategic acumen of the Duterte family. It sends a clear message to their supporters and the wider Filipino public that the Duterte family stands united on all significant national issues. This unity positions them as a formidable and consolidated political force, ready to navigate the political arena as a united front, bolstered by their allies and supporters. This move effectively consolidates the Duterte family’s influence and underscores their determination to remain a significant force in Philippine politics.
By leveraging their collective political capital, the Duterte family has galvanized and consolidated their support base, ensuring their influence remains robust across various sectors of Philippine society. This strategy holds the potential to significantly reshape the political landscape of the Philippines, sparking curiosity about the future political dynamics and reaffirming the Duterte family’s pivotal role and enduring presence in the nation’s political sphere.
Moreover, VP Sara Duterte’s resignation signifies a deeper fracture and the end of the so-called Uniteam between the Marcoses and the Dutertes. This move clearly illustrates that the Uniteam no longer exists. Her resignation as Secretary of Education marks a definitive separation between the Dutertes and the Marcoses, positioning the Dutertes and their supporters as the leading political opposition to President Marcos Jr.’s administration. This delineation sets the stage for a new political dynamic in the Philippines, where the Dutertes emerge as a significant counterbalance to Marcos Jr.’s regime.
On the other hand, while it’s speculative, VP Sarah Duterte’s announcement about her family members running for Senate and her resignation from the Cabinet appear strategically significant. The possible simultaneous candidacy of three Dutertes for Senate seats in the upcoming 2025 mid-term elections is a significant political development, as it poses a substantial challenge to administration candidates.
Positioning themselves as the opposition, the Dutertes’ participation in the Senate race directly challenges the administration’s candidates. Their consolidated political influence and mobilized voter base can attract dissatisfied voters, potentially fragmenting the vote and complicating the chances for administration-backed candidates to secure seats.
Concerning winnability and public support for the Dutertes, with its established political influence and loyal voter base, they have a strong chance of performing well if they can effectively leverage these factors. The Dutertes running for senators in the 2025 mid-term elections, potentially, will have an easy win. Needless to say, there’s no room for complacency on the part of the Dutertes.
Undoubtedly, the outcome of the upcoming Senate race will have far-reaching implications for future elections, particularly the 2028 Presidential Elections. A successful Senate bid by the Dutertes could significantly enhance their political capital, positioning them for more prominent roles on the national stage. This would be crucial for any Duterte who might aim for the presidency in 2028, solidifying their influence and strategic advantage in the political landscape.
Source: The Lobbyist
https://www.thelobbyist.biz/perspectives/article-details/prime%20insight/political-chess
