First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos Expresses Disappointment in Vice President Sara Duterte
In a recent development highlighting the growing divide between two influential political families, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos publicly expressed her disappointment in Vice President Sara Duterte. This acknowledgment came during a teaser video for the YouTube show “Tune In Kay Tunying.” Mrs. Marcos revealed that she no longer holds a favorable opinion of Vice President Duterte, citing a specific incident that crossed a line for her.
During a prayer rally in Davao City, Mrs. Marcos recalled how Vice President Duterte referred to her husband, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as a drug addict. This remark deeply hurt Mrs. Marcos, as she believed her husband would do everything to protect Vice President Duterte. She expressed her dismay at the Vice President’s actions, particularly in comparison to former Vice President Leni Robredo, who never resorted to such derogatory language.
The tension between the two women has been further fueled by recent videos showing the First Lady snubbing the Vice President during send-offs for President Marcos’ overseas trips. These incidents have sparked rumors and speculation about the strained relationship between the two families.
The public fallout between the Marcos and Duterte families has not gone unnoticed by political observers and the general public. It is seen as a significant development in the ever-evolving landscape of Philippine politics. Both families have long been influential in the country, with the Marcoses known for their controversial rule during the martial law era, and the Dutertes gaining prominence through President Rodrigo Duterte’s tough stance on crime and drugs.
The clash between the two families is not just a personal matter but also reflects the larger divisions within Philippine society. The Marcoses have a loyal following who view them as victims of political persecution, while the Dutertes have their own loyal supporters who appreciate their strong leadership style. The public exchange of criticisms and snubs between the First Lady and the Vice President has only deepened these divisions, with supporters of each side rallying behind their respective leaders.
As the political landscape continues to shift and evolve, it remains to be seen how this public feud will impact the upcoming elections and the overall political climate in the Philippines. The rift between the Marcos and Duterte families has added another layer of complexity to an already intricate political landscape, and it is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the future of the country.
The Duterte Family’s Criticism of Marcos
The Duterte family, including Vice President Sara Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and her brothers, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, has been openly critical of Marcos. This criticism stems from President Marcos’ consideration of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is currently investigating him for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.
The Duterte family has been actively involved in voicing their concerns about President Marcos’ potential return to power. They believe that his rejoining the ICC could be seen as an attempt to evade accountability for the alleged human rights abuses committed during his administration. They argue that it is essential for the country to move forward and heal from the wounds of the past, rather than allowing a figure with such a controversial legacy to regain influence.
Former President Duterte has been particularly vocal in his criticism, using his platform to rally against Marcos and his policies. During a recent rally in Davao del Norte, he urged Marcos to acknowledge the negative history associated with his father’s term and to be content with the opportunity to serve as President. He emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for leaders to prioritize the interests of the Filipino people over personal ambitions.
In addition to their concerns about Marcos’ potential return to power, the Duterte family has also taken a stance against the proposed economic charter change. They fear that this change could open the door for Marcos to extend his term and consolidate his power. They argue that such a move would be detrimental to the country’s democratic institutions and could lead to a regression in the progress made since the Marcos era.
While the Duterte family has been vocal in their criticism of Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte has remained relatively silent amidst the political noise. However, her attendance at some of the rallies organized by her family and her participation in a rally for televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who has also called for Marcos’ removal from office, suggest that she shares their concerns to some extent.
Despite these apparent differences, Marcos maintains that he and the Vice President are on the same page. He believes that her role as part of his administration means that if she had any serious concerns about the government’s approach to the West Philippine Sea issue or any other matter, she would have conveyed them directly to him. He sees their collaboration as a sign of unity within the administration and a commitment to working towards the betterment of the Filipino people.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Duterte family’s criticism of Marcos will shape the future of Philippine politics. The ongoing investigations into Marcos’ alleged crimes against humanity and the public’s response to his potential return to power will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the trajectory of the country. For now, the Duterte family remains steadfast in their opposition to Marcos, advocating for accountability, transparency, and a brighter future for the Philippines. In recent years, the West Philippine Sea issue has become a significant point of contention in Philippine politics. The Duterte administration’s pivot to China has raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally. While President Duterte has defended this approach as part of an “independent foreign policy,” critics argue that it compromises the country’s sovereignty and territorial claims.
One particular aspect of this issue that has garnered attention is the alleged “gentleman’s agreement” between President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding Ayungin Shoal. This shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is a disputed area in the West Philippine Sea where the Philippines has maintained a military presence by stationing the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated naval ship. According to reports, the agreement stipulated that the Philippines would only provide food and water to the personnel stationed on the ship, effectively limiting its operational capabilities.
This agreement has drawn criticism from activists and social media commentators who view it as a sign of President Duterte’s willingness to appease China at the expense of the Philippines’ national interests. They argue that the limited resupply mission undermines the country’s claim to the area and weakens its position in ongoing territorial disputes. Furthermore, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is seen as a potential successor to her father, has faced scrutiny for her noncommittal stance on China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. Some interpret this as a reflection of her allegiance to Beijing, raising concerns about the direction the country may take under her leadership.
However, President Marcos, who has been a vocal supporter of President Duterte’s policies, has dismissed these claims. He argues that if Vice President Duterte had genuine concerns about the government’s approach, particularly regarding China, she would have directly communicated them to him as a member of his administration. President Marcos maintains that the Duterte administration’s actions are in the best interest of the Philippines and that any perceived lack of commitment to defending the country’s territorial claims is a misinterpretation of their strategy.
The strained relationship between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte provides a glimpse into the complex dynamics of Philippine politics. As members of influential political families, their actions and statements carry weight and have far-reaching implications. Their differing views on the West Philippine Sea issue highlight the divisions within the country, with each side arguing for what they believe is the best path forward.
To fully understand the significance of these events, it is essential to consider the local laws, customs, and political landscape that shape the context in which they unfold. The Philippines has a long history of territorial disputes in the region, and its relationship with China is fraught with tension and complexity. The West Philippine Sea issue is not merely a matter of foreign policy but also a reflection of the country’s struggle to assert its sovereignty and protect its national interests.
As the Philippines continues to navigate this challenging terrain, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome of these disputes will have implications beyond the region. The West Philippine Sea issue is a microcosm of the broader geopolitical landscape, where competing interests and allegiances shape the course of international relations. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly localized conflicts can have far-reaching consequences, underscoring the need for diplomatic engagement and a nuanced understanding of the complexities at play.
Source: The Manila Times