Philippines ‘leader of the opposition’ Sara Duterte emerges in ex-Marcos ally’s pivot

Former Duterte spokesman Harry Roque welcomed Duterte-Carpio’s resignation as education secretary, proclaiming in a Facebook post on Wednesday she had “just become the leader of the opposition” and declaring that the Duterte-Marcos Uniteam had “formally been dissolved”.

Duterte-Carpio had largely kept silent whenever her allies badmouthed Marcos, said Cleve Arguelles, political scientist and head of polling firm WR Numero, “but now, they [her camp] can clearly spell it out for Filipinos … what their alternative vision is”.

Ona suggested the Duterte camp may “play the victim card”, positioning the vice-president’s present controversies as persecution by the Marcos faction.

“She will definitely accuse the Marcos administration of being a US lackey and claim that the situation [in the South China Sea] is drawing us closer to war,” Ona said, referencing Manila’s recent moves to strengthen ties with Washington against growing Chinese influence

Observers expect these attacks to intensify as the candidacy filing period for next year’s midterm elections in October approaches.

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What’s behind the apparent feud between the Marcos, Duterte clans in the Philippines?

“I think the next few months will be spent on consolidating their forces and their allies and coming up with a ticket that would represent the Duterte faction. That’s going to be tough as they are going against Malacañang, and Malacañang is full of resources,” Arguelles said, referring to the presidential palace.

Duterte-Carpio’s open defiance of Marcos could disadvantage her if she loses access to the resources she previously enjoyed as an ally, Arguelles said. It may also provoke a backlash from Filipino voters, who traditionally “punish” vice-presidents seen as opposing