When Rodrigo Duterte left the Philippine presidency and returned to private life in 2022, public life seemed suddenly quiet. However, the political landscape in the country took a surprising turn as Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, emerged as a prominent figure. Before his presidential aspirations began, Marcos seemed to have an almost unhealthily close relationship with Duterte, which has now turned into a feud that is garnering attention not only within the Philippines but also from China and the U.S. Both nations are watching the situation nervously, as the ruling Marcos clan finds itself split over its links to China.

Feud between Duterte and Marcos

The feud between Duterte and Marcos has taken center stage in Philippine politics. This unexpected rift between two prominent figures has become a subject of analysis and speculation. Prior to becoming president, Marcos was seen as a close ally of Duterte, which led to theories of collusion and connections between the Marcos family and the current administration. However, as Duterte has stepped down, tensions between the two have escalated due to differing opinions on China.

Impact on China and U.S.

China and the U.S. are closely monitoring the Duterte-Marcos feud, as it has the potential to impact their respective interests in the region. The Philippines, being a strategic location in Southeast Asia, has been a key player in the geopolitical competition between these two global powers. With Duterte’s departure, the dynamics of the relationship between the Philippines and China could shift, and the U.S. is keen to ensure that its influence remains strong in the region.

Ruling Marcos clan split

The feud over China links has also caused a division within the ruling Marcos clan. While Ferdinand Marcos’ son, Bongbong Marcos, is known for his pro-China stance, other members of the family have expressed concerns about the closeness between their patriarch and the Chinese government. This split within the Marcos clan further adds to the intrigue surrounding the ongoing feud and highlights the complexities of Philippine politics.

“The feud between Rodrigo Duterte and Bongbong Marcos has not only captivated the attention of the Filipino public, but it has also raised questions among international observers about the future direction of the Philippines and its relationships with China and the U.S.” – Political analyst Martin Romualdez

• Rodrigo Duterte’s departure from the presidency led to a surprise emergence of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos as a prominent figure.
• The feud between Duterte and Marcos has attracted analysis and speculation due to their previously close relationship.
• China and the U.S. are closely monitoring the situation as it could impact their interests in the region.
• The division within the ruling Marcos clan over China links adds complexity to the ongoing feud.
• The future direction of the Philippines and its relationships with China and the U.S. is being questioned as a result.