MANILA — The political feud between the Philippines’ most powerful families deepened on Monday, as Congressman Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, eldest son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., defended his father from sharp criticisms made by Vice-President Sara Duterte. The lawmaker accused Duterte of “crossing the line” with her recent attacks, marking a new chapter in the escalating rift between the two political dynasties.
In a strongly worded statement, Congressman Marcos said he could no longer remain silent, despite his father’s advice to avoid commenting on the situation. He condemned Duterte’s outbursts, saying they included threats to “exhume a former president and behead an incumbent one.”
“Her bizarre temper tantrum has been condemned by a nation horrified from such displays of insensitivity towards the dead and cruelty to the living,” the lawmaker said. He added that his father had not provoked the vice-president, and that Duterte’s response was uncalled for.
The public spat between the Marcos and Duterte families, who were allies during the 2022 elections, has sparked concerns about political instability ahead of the midterm elections in 2025. The latest round of hostilities began when Vice-President Duterte criticized President Marcos for “not knowing how to be a president,” her most scathing rebuke yet of her former running mate.
Duterte escalated the conflict last week, threatening to “dig up” the body of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and “dump it” into the sea if attacks against her continued. She also claimed she had been targeted by political opponents trying to build an impeachment case against her.
While President Marcos’ office initially chose not to respond to Duterte’s remarks, his son made it clear that the family would no longer remain silent. “One must draw the line at some point and it’s frankly long overdue,” Congressman Marcos said.
The feud between the Marcos and Duterte families threatens to destabilize the political landscape in the Philippines, as both families wield significant influence over the country’s politics. Observers are watching closely to see how this battle between two of the nation’s most powerful political figures will play out, especially with the midterm elections looming.