As the holiday season approaches, Philippine politics is heating up with renewed tensions within the Uniteam alliance that once propelled Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to the presidency and Sara Duterte to the vice presidency. The political landscape is witnessing a significant rift between Marcos loyalists and Diehard Duterte Supporters (DDS), creating uncertainty in the nation's democratic stability.
The Uniteam Divide: Maximum and Minimum Goals
The political maneuvering between the two factions reveals clear strategic objectives. The maximum goal among Duterte supporters appears to be forcing President Bongbong Marcos to resign, which would automatically install Sara Duterte to the presidency. Meanwhile, the minimum goal focuses on salvaging whatever political prestige Vice President Duterte still maintains to position her for a successful presidential bid in the 2028 elections.
This political drama unfolding in November 2025 represents a continuation of the alliance that proved successful in the previous elections. Political analysts note that without the united front between Marcos and Duterte supporters, Leni Robredo would have likely defeated Bongbong Marcos in the last presidential elections.
The Fragile Balance of Power
Neither political faction appears strong enough to dominate Philippine politics independently. The Diehard Duterte Supporters lack sufficient political muscle to topple the current administration alone, while Marcos loyalists similarly require Duterte's substantial voter base to maintain their political dominance.
This interdependence echoes throughout Philippine political history, reminding citizens of the old adage that "united we stand, divided we fall". The current situation demonstrates how fragile political alliances can be in the country's democracy, especially as both groups navigate their competing interests.
Timing and Public Sentiment
Interestingly, the author notes that major political upheavals in the Philippines typically occur in February rather than December. This timing pattern suggests that Filipinos consciously avoid letting politics interfere with their Christmas celebrations, preferring to maintain the festive spirit throughout the holiday season.
The personal perspective shared reveals the author's own political evolution from being anti-Marcos during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s era to viewing Bongbong Marcos as "a proud liberal democrat" who isn't expected to install authoritarian rule like his father. In contrast, the Dutertes appear "predisposed to the use of violence" according to the author's assessment.
Call for Constitutional Stability
As a senior citizen and self-described liberal democrat, the author expresses concern about extra-constitutional moves that could destabilize the government. The preference is clearly for political changes to occur through regular elections rather than revolutionary methods, which the author views as too bloody and ineffective at completely eradicating bureaucratic corruption.
The political battle has been dramatically depicted on social media by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque's supporters as a conflict between "the forces of darkness (kadiliman) and the forces of evil (kasamaan)"—a characterization the author considers false but indicative of the intense rhetoric surrounding the divide.
Despite the escalating political noise, the author emphasizes the importance of maintaining Christmas spirit, having already installed decorations and lights despite personal financial challenges. The wish remains for politics not to interfere with the celebratory mood that defines the Philippine holiday season.
