As Philippines’ Duterte clan faces its gravest crisis yet, VP Sara could be ‘very dangerous’ to Marcos

Duterte-Carpio and her allies are fighting back against Marcos Jnr’s attempts to dismantle her influence, resurrect drug war charges

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Effigies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left) and Vice-President Sara Duterte are seen as protesters march to congress during a demonstration coinciding with Marcos Jnr’s State of the Nation Address, in Manila on July 22. Photo: AFP

Published: 10:00am, 14 Aug 2024Updated: 10:52am, 14 Aug 2024

The Philippines’ powerful Duterte political dynasty is facing its gravest crisis, according to political sources, with Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio locked in a fierce struggle against President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and his allies as they move to dismantle her influence and resurrect charges tied to her father’s deadly drug war.

However, Duterte-Carpio has been openly fighting back, unleashing her own brand of vitriol through social media and agitating her allies to try to unseat the president and succeed him.

The conflict between the former political allies has significant implications for the country’s future, as both the Duterte and Marcos families are now attempting to marshal their own political coalitions ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.

Tensions escalated after the Marcos administration signalled its willingness to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), potentially allowing the arrest of Duterte-Carpio’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and others accused in connection with his brutal drug war. On August 1, Justice Secretary Juan Crispin Remulla said the government would not hinder Interpol from acting on ICC warrants.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte (centre) takes a selfie with her supporters during a rally in Manila in January. Photo: EPA-EFE

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV warned that Duterte-Carpio remains dangerous since she is constitutionally the direct successor to the president should anything happen to Marcos Jnr.