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Grave Consequences: Sara Duterte’s Ultimatum on Marcos Sr. Shakes Philippine Politics

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Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo

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Grave Consequences: Sara Duterte’s Ultimatum on Marcos Sr. Shakes Philippine Politics

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — October 18, 2024

There’s a Filipino proverb that says, “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan” (He who does not look back to where he came from will never reach his destination). And perhaps, no story illustrates the weight of history on political alliances better than the fractured relationship between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Two years ago, they stood together, basking in the victory of their UniTeam ticket, a symbol of reconciliation between two powerful political dynasties. But now, their political friendship is strained, if not shattered. What began as a partnership to unite the north and south has devolved into a dramatic personal and political feud, with Duterte issuing an extraordinary threat that could rock not just their families but the nation itself: If political attacks from the Marcos administration continued, she would dig up the body of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and throw it into the West Philippine Sea (WPS). A statement of such stark aggression, and perhaps morbid humor, comes at a time when the political alliance that carried them to power is clearly fraying at the seams.

A Collision of History, Power, and Family Ties

At the heart of this controversy lies Sara Duterte’s fury over what she perceives as betrayals, both personal and political. The late Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose authoritarian regime left a painful scar on Philippine history, was controversially buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani during President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration—a decision that provoked protests across the country. For Sara, this burial was a symbolic olive branch, an honor bestowed by her father to the Marcos family, seemingly binding them in gratitude. Yet, President Marcos Jr.’s administration, now scrutinizing her budget allocation as Vice President and Education Secretary, appears ungrateful.

Tensions boiled over when Sara publicly declared that, if the attacks continued, she would desecrate the dictator’s grave by tossing his remains into the West Philippine Sea. It’s an inflammatory threat, laden with symbolism. Marcos Sr., whose legacy is a delicate mix of authoritarian rule, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses, had been given a resting place among heroes—an act that was divisive in itself. To threaten to unearth him is more than political theater; it is a threat to drag the Marcos family’s controversial past back into the present.

Yet, one can’t help but notice the subtext here: This is personal. Sara Duterte’s friendship with Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, was once robust, perhaps even the glue that held this uneasy alliance together. But it seems that political loyalty has a shelf life. For Sara, the attacks on her from the Marcos camp—embodied by a House of Representatives and Commission on Audit closely scrutinizing her budget—feel like a betrayal not only of political unity but also of personal trust.

The Backlash:  Duterte’s Threat Sparks Criticisms on Tradition, Decency, and Politics

Sara Duterte’s pronouncement is a striking display of political indignation, but critics are quick to point out that it violates deeply held values regarding the dead. In most cultures, including the Philippines, the deceased are treated with profound respect, regardless of their earthly sins. The threat to desecrate Marcos Sr.’s body contravenes cultural norms of decency, morality, and tradition. This is a nation where respect for ancestors runs deep, where even criminals are buried with rites and prayers. What Duterte proposes is an act of sacrilege, a shocking display of disrespect not only toward the Marcos family but toward Filipino culture itself.

Critics argue that, beyond the moral affront, this outburst reflects a disturbing lack of civility in politics. A nation’s leaders, they say, should embody the values of respect and decorum. By threatening to desecrate a grave, Duterte is lowering the standard of political discourse, reducing it to threats and intimidation. Specific provisions of Philippine ethical standards, such as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials (Republic Act No. 6713), which demands that officials uphold honor and integrity, would seemingly condemn such behavior. Supreme Court precedents, too, underscore the importance of civility and public trust in maintaining the legitimacy of government actions.

The Other Side of the Coin:  Morality, Politics, and Friendship in Duterte’s Ultimatum

On the other hand, Sara Duterte’s defenders argue that her remarks are not literal but symbolic, intended to send a message of political resolve. Duterte has been the target of intense media scrutiny regarding her budget as both Vice President and Education Secretary. With every peso examined, her actions are framed as a power play against a reluctant political ally. The constant barrage of criticism, she might claim, warrants a dramatic response. The threat to Marcos Sr.’s body, they argue, is a rhetorical device meant to shock her adversaries into backing down.

Her relationship with Imee Marcos further complicates the narrative. Some suggest that this outburst is a calculated move to pressure Imee into leveraging her influence with her brother. After all, Sara and Imee have shared a close bond, and there is a strategic benefit in preserving that friendship. By drawing Imee into the fray, Sara could be signaling that the Marcos camp needs to reconsider its stance or risk losing a crucial political ally.

The Marcos Reaction: A Family Torn

How President Marcos Jr. and Senator Imee Marcos react to this will be telling. For Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte’s threat is not just a personal affront—it is a direct attack on his family’s legacy. Yet, a public retaliation could escalate tensions and further fragment their political coalition. The President may seek to downplay the incident, presenting himself as above such pettiness, citing traditional values of respect for the dead and invoking his father’s legacy to unite his base.

Imee Marcos, caught between loyalty to her family and her friendship with Duterte, faces a delicate balancing act. Her silence thus far may reflect her calculation that staying out of this feud preserves her political capital. But in the long term, she may have to choose between her brother’s administration and her ties to the Duterte dynasty.

Recommendations: The Road Ahead

For Sara Duterte, it is time to reconsider her approach. While her frustrations are understandable, she must rise above incendiary rhetoric and remember her role as Vice President. Political alliances shift, but respect for tradition, morality, and civility remains paramount. Instead of threatening the past, she should focus on building bridges for the future.

For Marcos Jr., this is an opportunity to display statesmanship. He must resist the urge to engage in a tit-for-tat with Duterte and instead reaffirm his commitment to the rule of law, decency, and the legacy of his family—without further alienating potential allies.

As for Imee Marcos, it is time to mend the fences between these two powerful families. Her role as a mediator could be key to preserving the UniTeam’s legacy and maintaining her own influence in a rapidly changing political landscape.

And for Filipinos, the lesson is clear: Politics should never desecrate what we hold sacred. Whether it’s our leaders, our dead, or our democratic values, the respect we give is a reflection of the society we wish to build.

Louis ‘Barok‘ C.Biraogo

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