Uniteam crumbling apart?

By Artchil B. Fernandez

The implosion of Uniteam is not a question of “if” but “when.” That it came sooner than later is the only surprise in the political theatre. The logic of politics, traditional politics in the Philippine context is “self-interest.” The rise and fall of political alliances is driven by selfish interest of politicians. After all, that is what they are in power for.

A high drama unfolded in the House of Representatives last week and appears to “conclude” this week signals a tectonic shift in the political landscape. It involves key figures and personalities of the ruling political bloc, a cartel of political dynasties – the Uniteam.  But this is just the beginning not the end of another “game of thrones.”

Last week the nation was caught by surprise with the sudden demotion of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) from Senior House Deputy Speaker (the de facto No.2 post in Congress) to one of the nine Deputy Speakers. When the news came out, the circumstance behind the demotion was murky. How this political tragedy befalls on the wily GMA who is the chief architect of the Uniteam was the question of the hour.

Instantly GMA offered an explanation on the event in a lengthy public statement. She was accused of plotting a coup in the House and her demotion was the swift retaliation.

“When I learned that there were reports that I was suspected of plotting a ‘coup’ against Speaker Romualdez, I decided I must speak out to clarify my political position. Indeed, some of my actions may have been misconstrued, such as my recent trip with a delegation of Congressmen to Korea for some official meetings,” she clarified.

GMA admitted she wanted to be Speaker immediately after the 2022 election but had to defer to the preference of Bongbong Marcos (BBM). “When President Marcos won, I wanted to aspire for the Speakership of the House. But it soon became apparent that he was most comfortable with then Congressman Martin Romualdez as Speaker. I quickly realized the wisdom embedded in that sentiment,” GMA said. Romualdez is BBM’s first cousin.

Losing the Speakership was GMA’s first heartache with her creation. She assumed that the spoils of victory will be evenly divided among the “cartel of dynasties” – the presidency to the Marcoses, the vice-presidency to the Dutertes and control of Congress to her. Too late for her to discover that the greed of her partners is boundless.

Was GMA plotting a coup to get what she believes is rightfully hers or was it a case of misinterpretation of her recent action, particularly her bringing of allied members of Congress to South Korea? Was she really hatching a coup in the “Land of the Morning Calm?”  It is hard to ascertain at this point. Denials are just denials.

But the repercussion to Lakas-CMD, the dominant party in the House with 71 members of GMA’s abrupt demotion is a major political tremor. In an act of solidarity, expression of sympathy, and support to GMA, Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from Lakas-CMD.  Sara Duterte is the party’s chair, Romualdez is the party president while GMA is chairperson emeritus. It will be interesting to see how this development will play out in Lakas-CMD in the coming weeks.

Sara Duterte’s explanation of her “irrevocable resignation” from Lakas-CMD is pregnant with interpretation. “I am here today because of the trust of the Filipino people in me to lead and serve them and the country, and this cannot be poisoned by political toxicity or undermined by execrable political power play,” Duterte declared. Her reference to “political toxicity” and “execrable political power play” is an apparent dig at the rude demotion of her mentor GMA.

It must be recalled that GMA and Sara Duterte successfully orchestrated the downfall of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in 2018 and the installation of GMA as House Speaker. The incident is still fresh in the memory of Speaker Romualdez and his allies and may have fueled their suspicion on the recent moves of GMA.

Despite GMA disavowal of coup plot, Speaker Romualdez candidly admitted his suspicion in a public statement to explain his side on the recent House intramurals. “There is still much work to do, so occasional moves to destabilize the House should be nipped in the bud,” Romualdez said. It is crystal the unceremonious demotion of GMA is the “nipping in the bud” of a coup and delivers a strong message to GMA and her bloc.

Publicly, it appears the “political drama” ended well for everyone this week. Speaker Romualdez and GMA were both present in the installation of the new Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales. They claimed all is good between them and had buried the hatchet.

Liberal Party president Edcel Lagman however believes the “war” between GMA and Speaker Romualdez is far from over. “Although it appears that GMA has accepted her fate, politics is not only a show of force, it is also a show of appearances,” Lagman explained. “Protagonists kiss and make up in public with daggers behind their backs. Token gestures of amity actually hide enmity.”

What is clear from the recent drama in the House is the Marcoses are strengthening their hold on power while GMA and Sara Duterte are consolidating their forces for future engagements. GMA’s humiliating demotion and Sara Duterte’s sudden departure from Lakas-CMD indicate a line is being drawn among the partners in the “cartel of dynasties.” Cracks are appearing in the Uniteam. Not even a year in power, the once monolithic bloc is starting to crumble apart. The divide will only widen with the 2025 election around the corner and as the 2028 presidential election draws near.

Lesson here is clear. Greed is not a strong tie that binds people. It may unite momentarily but, in the end, will cause fragmentation, division, and implosion.