By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-10-21 03:06:31 | Updated at 2024-10-21 06:21:42
3 hours ago
The escalating feud between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and his estranged vice-president, Sara Duterte-Carpio, risks diverting the government’s focus from meeting the urgent needs of ordinary Filipinos, such as rising hunger, observers warn.
Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, launched a massive political attack against Marcos Jnr on Friday, belittling his presidential performance and making shocking comments about wishing to behead him at a public event. She even threatened to “dig up” her father’s bones and toss them into the sea if the political attacks against her family continued.
While the presidential palace declined to comment on her remarks, social media erupted with users labelling her “unhinged”, “crazy” and “dangerous’, and calling for her impeachment.
Analysts, however, interpreted her incendiary remarks as a strategic political manoeuvre, suggesting they reflect a deeper conflict between two powerful dynasties that could have far-reaching consequences for both the economy and the poor.
Duterte-Carpio’s media briefing was an effort to “project an image of strength” and signal her readiness to confront Marcos Jnr, according to Celso Santiago Jnr, a communication for development lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University.
