Duterte allies may move to impeach Marcos amid Palace confusion, warns analyst

May 29, 2025 , 10:52 AM

(May 29, 2025) – Staunch allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte could seriously push for the impeachment of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., amid signs of internal confusion and weak messaging from the administration, a political analyst warned Wednesday.

Speaking on One News’ The Big Story, former presidential adviser Ronald Llamas said the Marcos administration is “bungling” its political reset, highlighted by a delayed cabinet revamp, muddled messaging, and signs of disunity within the ruling coalition.

“The administration looks confused, disorganized,” Llamas said, referring to the canceled Palace press briefing and the uncertainty surrounding the cabinet reshuffle.

“They’re already in the middle of a war. Confusion among your own troops only favors the enemy.”

Llamas noted that Duterte’s allies, including Vice President Sara Duterte, appear to be gaining political ground. He pointed to the growing speculation that the Dutertes may use an impeachment move as a strategic step to weaken Marcos ahead of the 2028 elections.

“If Marcos turns into a lame-duck president early, it’s not far-fetched for the Dutertes and their allies to initiate impeachment,” Llamas said. “They need to build momentum heading into 2028, and that could start by making PBBM (Marcos) politically irrelevant now.”

Vice President Duterte recently hinted at the possibility of impeaching the president, a move Llamas believes could gain traction if Marcos’ approval ratings drop further.

Recently, Former National Youth Commission Chairman Ronald Cardema and his wife, Duterte Youth Representative Drixie Mae Cardema, attempted to file an impeachment complaint against Pres. Marcos.

The complaint is related to the alleged permission given by the President to transfer custody of former President Duterte to the Interpol.

Meanwhile, Llamas described the ongoing cabinet reshuffle as a “semi-reset” that lacks coherence and direction. He criticized the Palace for inconsistent justifications behind the reassignments and the lack of clear performance metrics.

The reassignment of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla to the Department of Environment, for instance, left analysts puzzled.

“He was removed for failing to lower electricity prices, yet moved to another department, what’s the logic?” Llamas asked.

The analyst also mentioned rumors that several cabinet officials, including Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, are on the chopping block due to perceived inefficiency, low visibility, or insufficient loyalty to the president.

Adding to the volatility, Llamas highlighted tensions in the House of Representatives, where changes in leadership are expected in July. He noted that even allies of Marcos are unsure of the administration’s strategic direction.

“Some are asking, ‘What do we do now?’” he said. “That’s dangerous in the middle of what is essentially a political survival battle.”

The reported demand for courtesy resignations from 168 officials of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) also signals a larger effort to consolidate control. But Llamas warned that such moves require clear vision and planning — something the administration seems to lack.

“There’s no clarity on where this reset is going,” Llamas said. “If they don’t get their act together soon, the opposition will capitalize on this opening.”

A Palace press briefing is expected this week, potentially to clarify the direction of the reshuffle.

(AGD)

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