Rifts that reshape politics

By Herman M. Lagon

Alliances sometimes develop as quickly as they break apart. The adage, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” has never been more pertinent than in the widening divide separating the Marcos and Duterte groups. Once an apparently strong alliance, it has now collapsed into open conflict, exposing political unrest and providing a rare chance for other political voices to take the front stage.

Initially motivated by mutual convenience—a calculated move to combine two strong voter bases—the so-called “Uniteam” never derived from solid shared values. However, given the different aspirations of both kingdoms, this alliance was always brittle. Eventually, the Marcoses, with their legacy of authoritarian nostalgia, and the Dutertes, with their populist ideas from Davao’s streets, were destined to collide. Now the fallout shows more tensions driven by individual aspirations rather than group goals.

This is abundantly evident from recent political changes. Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation from the Marcos Cabinet and her combatively candid criticism of the government point to more than just personal grudges; they signal the beginning of a full-fledged rivalry. The calculated moves of the Marcos camp seem meant to quell the rising dissension of the Dutertes. With the ordinary Pinoys caught in the crossfire, this developing drama bears all the features of a power struggle.

Beyond the show, though, is a more significant political change. The collapse of these two powerful groups creates a space for real opposition forces to grow out from. Established political dynasties have too long dominated alternative voices supporting openness, responsibility, and social justice. Now weakening each other, these strong clans create space for fresh, independent alternative leaders to flourish.

Recent Pulse Asia research emphasizes this change: Currently, 31% of voters describe themselves as politically independent. This number shows a growing taste for fresh leadership beyond familiar family dynasties, celebrity-driven gimmicks, and the confines of traditional politics. It offers a new generation of leaders a chance to acquire traction by emphasizing good governance anchored in values instead of expediency based on alliances.

Among this political uncertainty, grassroots movements also discover fresh vitality. Often excluded from mainstream debates, labor groups, environmental advocates, and human rights defenders are starting to gather once more. Beyond the worn-out stories of political rivalries, these movements reveal a deep-seated yearning for systematic transformation.

This political awakening reminds me of a well-known idea: choosing what truly serves the greater good. Voters today are expected to examine candidates for their integrity, leadership, and dedication to public service, so transcending names and alliances. The weakening of the Marcos-Duterte alliance should not be motivated by complacency but by carefully reviewing who speaks and acts for the people’s interests.

Still, presuming a broken political elite will automatically empower the opposition would be a mistake. Political dynasties are deep-seated. Though they differ, the Marcoses and Dutertes still have great power, wealth, influence, and machinery. Right now, the opposition needs strategic unity—an attempt to create coalitions capable of offering a credible and moral substitute—not self-righteousness or hubris.

History reminds us that elite power struggles occasionally result in the rise of even more sinister political forces. A fractured opposition following EDSA let conventional elites recover their power. This time, progressive forces have to learn from past mistakes and concentrate on forming broad-based alliances around important reforms, including anti-dynasty legislation and more transparent campaign funding.

The true test is whether alternative forces might grab this rare political opening as the 2025 midterm elections draw near. Every voter, in addition to political leaders, shares the responsibility. The fall of the Uniteam ought to spur action and introspection rather than only political entertainment.

Though the conflict between the Marcos and Duterte camps may take center stage, the real story is found in the voters’ decisions. Will they embrace the labor of building a more inclusive and moral democracy, or will they stick to old loyalty patterns? While siding with “the enemy of my enemy” might offer temporary relief, real change happens when alliances are built on shared values, not just convenience or short-term gains.

***

Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.