From Unity to Division: Tracing the Brewing Split Within the UniTeam

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo

As the smoke from the 2022 Philippine elections clears, the formidable UniTeam alliance between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte appears to be dissipating into the ether. The alliance that propelled them to a decisive victory over their opponents seems to have been merely a vehicle for electoral success, rather than a lasting partnership for governance. Vice President Duterte’s recent statements underscore this reality, raising the question: Is the UniTeam truly no more?

Unraveling the Alliance

On June 12, during the Independence Day celebrations, Vice President Sara Duterte made it clear that the UniTeam was solely an electoral tandem. “Tapos na ang election at nanalo kami… (The elections are over and we already won…),” she stated. Her absence from the Independence Day festivities at Luneta Park and the vin d’honneur in Malacañan Palace further fueled speculation about the rift within the alliance. Instead, she chose to stay in Davao City, delivering her message locally rather than standing in solidarity with the President.

The apparent cracks in the UniTeam surfaced less than a year into Marcos’s administration. Public criticisms from Duterte’s family, including former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, have openly targeted President Marcos. Tensions were exacerbated when First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took offense at Vice President Duterte seemingly laughing after her father called Marcos “bangag” (stoned) during a speech.

Confirming the Split

Several factors confirm the split within the UniTeam:

1. Public Criticisms: The Duterte family’s vocal disapproval of President Marcos is a significant indicator of internal discord. Such open criticism suggests a deep-seated dissatisfaction that is not easily reconciled.

2. Absence from Official Events: Vice President Duterte’s absence from key national events attended by President Marcos underscores the growing distance between the two leaders.

3. Statements of Finality: Duterte’s explicit remarks about the UniTeam being a campaign tandem and her assertion that they are no longer candidates point to a deliberate distancing from the Marcos administration.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Marcos Administration

Advantages:

– Autonomy: Without the UniTeam constraints, President Marcos has the opportunity to pursue policies and initiatives independently, potentially leading to more coherent and focused governance.

– Strategic Realignment: The split allows Marcos to realign his administration’s priorities without needing to accommodate the interests of the Duterte camp.

     Disadvantages:

– Loss of Support Base: The alliance with Duterte brought significant support from Mindanao and the Duterte loyalists. Losing this backing could weaken Marcos’s political strength.

– Increased Opposition: The Duterte family’s criticism could embolden opposition groups and create more significant political challenges for Marcos.

Duterte Faction

     Advantages:

– Political Distinction: Distancing from the Marcos administration allows the Duterte faction to carve out a distinct political identity, potentially paving the way for future electoral success.

– Freedom to Criticize: Being outside the alliance enables the Duterte camp to openly criticize and hold the administration accountable, appealing to voters dissatisfied with Marcos.

     Disadvantages:

– Fragmentation: The split could lead to fragmentation among their supporters, weakening their overall political influence.

– Loss of National Platform: Without the backing of the presidency, the Duterte faction might struggle to maintain the same level of national prominence and influence.

Recommendations Moving Forward

For the Marcos Administration

1. Bridge the Gap: Attempt to mend the relationship with the Duterte faction to preserve some degree of unity and support from their base.

2. Strengthen Policy Agenda: Focus on delivering robust and impactful policies to demonstrate effective governance and win public approval independently.

3. Engage Constructively: Address criticisms constructively and maintain open lines of communication with the Duterte camp to prevent further public spats.

For the Duterte Faction

1. Define Clear Goals: Establish a clear and distinct political agenda that differentiates from the Marcos administration while addressing the public’s needs.

2. Build Alliances: Seek new political alliances to maintain influence and ensure a broad support base.

3. Maintain Accountability: Continue to hold the administration accountable in a manner that underscores their commitment to governance rather than mere political rivalry.

The dissolution of the UniTeam signals a critical juncture in Philippine politics. As the alliance fades, both Marcos and Duterte must navigate their paths with strategic foresight, balancing the pursuit of their agendas with the need to maintain stability and public trust. The stakes are high, and the nation’s future hangs in the balance as these two powerful figures recalibrate their political strategies.