‘RULING ELITES’ | Critics slam ‘dynasty war’ between Marcos, Duterte families after rival rallies

January 29, 2024 , 01:07 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(January 29, 2024) – Amid the tension between the families of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, progressive groups on Sunday urged Filipinos to “rise above the elite squabbles” and push for legitimate reforms that prioritize the interest of citizens.

Akbayan president Rafaela David described the rift between the two families as a “dynasty war” following yesterday’s rival rallies led by Marcos in Manila and former President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City.

Duterte-Carpio attended both rallies.

“The Luneta and Davao rallies highlight a distressing reality: The dynastic war among ruling elites, which serves only to further cement the interests of political dynasties and entrenched elites, while neglecting the pressing needs of the Filipino populace,” said David.

Marcos spearheaded the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign at Quirino Grandstand, where he once again declared the need for a “united response” to the continuing challenges confronting the nation.

Some described the event as a pro-charter change rally but the Presidential Communications Office and the Department of the Interior and Local Government already refuted it.

“Bagong Pilipinas is not a political gameplan that caters to a privileged few,” said Marcos. “It is a call for transformation. The transformation of our idea of being a Filipino, and the transformation of our economy, of governance, of society.”

On the other hand, his predecessor was more direct in his speech, openly criticizing the ongoing push for charter change through a people’s initiative. He also went insofar as to describe Marcos as a “drug addict.” He claimed that Marcos was on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency but the agency already denied the allegation.

David said Duterte was positioning himself as a fake oppositionist on the issue of charter change.

“Human rights violators cannot be constitutional champions. Instead of inserting himself in the people’s struggle, Mr. Rodrigo Duterte should prepare for his looming ICC (International Criminal Court) arrest and imprisonment,” said David, referring to the probe into Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

According to Akbayan, there are ongoing efforts to build “a strong alternative center of power against cha-cha advocates and the Dutertes.”

Bayan Muna, meanwhile, called Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas rally “a waste of people’s resources” at a time when citizens need urgent support. This was echoed by ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro.

“Mapapababa ba ng Bagong Pilipinas ang sumisirit na presyo ng bilihin? Magkakaroon na ba ng P20 kada kilo ng bigas bukas dahil diyan? Tataas na ba ang sahod ng mga guro at kawani dahil diyan? Malulutas na ba ang batayang problema ng sambayanang problema ng Pilipinas dahil sa rebranding na ito?” asked Castro.

David urged Filipinos to reject “these warring elite factions” who only aspire to protect their political interests.

“We encourage the people to join this movement. We will reject the toxic and cynical politics of the ruling elite and strive to forge a new path that embraces inclusivity, transparency, and good governance,” added David.

(PM)

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