31-1-2024 (MANILA) Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has escalated his criticism of Ferdinand Marcos Jr, suggesting that his successor is seeking to extend his rule beyond the current term limit set in the Constitution.
In his latest outburst, the 78-year-old former leader threatened to split his native Mindanao region from the rest of the country. He also intensified a war of words with Marcos, with both exchanging accusations of drug use.
Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez is spearheading efforts for a potential signature drive to gauge the “desirability of Mindanao seceding from the Republic of the Philippines,” Duterte revealed during a briefing on Tuesday night. He clarified that this move does not constitute rebellion or sedition, but rather a process involving the gathering of signatures, potentially for presentation to the United Nations.
Duterte’s daughter, Sara, currently serves as Marcos’s vice president. Cracks in the alliance between the two most influential political families in the Philippines, who secured victory in the 2022 election, have become increasingly apparent this week. Duterte and his successor have traded accusations of drug use, while a politician son of Duterte has called for Marcos’s resignation. Duterte stated during the briefing that if Marcos withdraws his support for constitutional amendments, the relationship between the families will stabilize.
Duterte described the proposed changes to the nation’s bylaws as a “mechanism for perpetuation of power.” He warned Marcos that if he proceeds, he will meet the same fate as his father, who manipulated the Constitution to rule for two decades. Duterte urged Marcos not to rely on the military’s support, cautioning that if the situation becomes chaotic, “they have to intervene.”
The late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, father of the current incumbent, was overthrown by a popular revolt following military defections in 1986. The following year, under President Corazon Aquino, a new Constitution was established, which included provisions limiting the country’s leader to a single, six-year term to prevent further abuses of power. Subsequent presidents also contemplated amending the Constitution but ultimately retracted their plans due to public backlash.
Earlier this month, Marcos expressed support for amending the 1987 Constitution, arguing that it needs revision to adapt to a “globalized world.” As of now, Marcos has not issued a statement regarding Duterte’s allegations about his desire to extend his term.
On Tuesday, Duterte retaliated against Marcos, who had accused him of using the synthetic drug fentanyl for years. The former president admitted to taking fentanyl under a doctor’s prescription but claimed to have stopped using it after his health improved.
“Now I’m asking you, do you have a prescription for cocaine? Where do you obtain your supply?” Duterte fired back, following up on his previous allegations that Marcos was a “drug addict.” The current president stated on Monday that he would not dignify the drug accusations with a response.
Duterte’s secession threat comes in response to Marcos’s call for unity on Sunday. Marcos stated that he is “permanently retired” when asked if he intends to run for public office again. However, his public appearances have increased since last year, including at least two media briefings this month. A former senator alleged that individuals allied with Duterte were inciting the military, an accusation that Duterte denied.
“We need to educate the people about the advocacy for Mindanao independence,” Alvarez stated during the same briefing on Tuesday, referring to the secession plan.
The southern island of Mindanao, rich in resources, has witnessed communist and Muslim armed separatist movements since the 1970s, although none have successfully achieved independence. However, an autonomous region does exist in the southwestern part of the island.
