24-4-2024 (MANILA) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated on Tuesday his stance on retaining Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte in his Cabinet, stating he sees no grounds for her replacement.
Addressing concerns in a Filipino statement, Marcos emphasized that Cabinet secretaries would only be substituted if they fail to fulfill their duties. He clarified, “All of the other things are not part of the discussions. If you can’t handle it, if you get sick, we’ll replace you. If you’re corrupt, we’ll remove you. But Inday Sara is not like that.”
Marcos also affirmed that his working relationship with Duterte would not be swayed by the sentiments of his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
The rift between the Marcoses and the Dutertes was further underscored by the first lady’s remarks in a recent interview, revealing her discontent towards the vice president. The two families, who joined forces in the 2022 national elections, seem to be at odds following Araneta-Marcos’s revelations.
Despite the tension, Marcos downplayed the need for reconciliation, stating, “I [don’t] think we need to patch anything up.” He expressed confidence that Duterte understands “how the first lady feels.”
Araneta-Marcos’s interview highlighted her displeasure with Duterte’s actions, citing her attendance at a prayer rally against charter change in Davao City last January and purported laughter at accusations made by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, regarding Marcos’s alleged drug addiction. The accusation, debunked by official sources, prompted Marcos to retaliate, suggesting that the elder Duterte’s fentanyl use may have clouded his judgment.
Responding to the unfolding drama, Vice President Duterte emphasized in a video message on Monday that the first lady’s personal feelings would not influence her role as a government official. She also expressed intentions for a private conversation with President Marcos.
As tensions between the two influential families escalate, both the Dutertes and the Marcoses are strategizing to solidify their power bases ahead of the 2025 midterms.
