Analyst sees ‘proxy politics’, public sentiment shift in Marcos’ stance on VP Duterte impeachment

May 28, 2025 , 09:13 PM

(May 28, 2025) – A political analyst has described President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent remarks on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte as either a sign of frustration or a calculated display of distance, suggesting what he called a form of “proxy politics.”

In an interview over TrueFM’s Ted Failon at DJ Chacha, University of the East political science professor Eric Daniel de Torres said the president’s statement could send mixed signals to the Duterte camp.

“Una, kung talagang susundan natin at i-interpret natin literal yung pahayag ng pangulo, may frustration siya, at ayaw niya ng kaaway,” said De Torres. “Pero bakit tila hindi niya makontrol ang kanyang mga kaalyado sa House of Representatives?”

On the other hand, he floated the possibility that the President is practicing proxy politics.

“Parang ang hindi nasa kanya, pero may instruction pa rin siya,” he said, noting the signature of the President’s son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, as the first name on the complaint.

“Pwede nating sabihin na syempre instruction ‘yan o talagang galing ito kay Speaker. Pero bakit ganun?”

On public sentiment, De Torres pointed to survey results showing that 50% of Filipinos now disagree with the impeachment complaint, with only 28% in favor and 21% undecided. He attributed the shift primarily to two factors: the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and growing political fatigue among ordinary citizens.

The undecided bloc — 21% of respondents— made up mostly of working class Filipinos could swing the tide of public opinion, he added.

“Nakita ng taong bayan ‘yung pagkalinga ng ating ikalawang pangulo sa kanyang ama,” De Torres said. “Napakalaking weight niyan pagdating sa simpatya.”

He added that the public narrative changed following Duterte’s arrest, which, he said, became a “collateral narrative” affecting political alliances and survey numbers.

“Battle of narratives and communication strategy ito,” he said, warning lawmakers that the public will be watching for signs of fairness and impartiality.

Asked whether President Marcos could truly stay neutral in the process, De Torres said, “Pwede niyang hayaang umusad ito, pero at the end of the day, may nakikita tayong long-term goal — 2028. Kung manggagaling sa bloke niya ang susunod na pangulo, natural na may interes siya.”

De Torres noted that if Vice President Duterte survives the impeachment, the tables could turn.

“Kapag naka-survive si VP, baka si [President] Marcos na ang i-impeach,” he said, citing the fluid nature of political alliances. “Maninigurado ang mga mambabatas niyan papunta ng 2026–2027. Maghahanap sila ng kaalyadong malakas sa pagka-presidente.”

(AGD)

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