Duterte Loyalists Furious as Sara Backs Marcos, Villar in Political Storm

A family feud is brewing in Philippine politics as Vice President Sara Duterte's surprise endorsement of Senator Imee Marcos and House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar has triggered outrage among her father's staunchest supporters.

The shock move has created a visible crack in the once-solid Duterte political machine. Former President Rodrigo Duterte's allies are now openly questioning his daughter's loyalty just months before critical elections.

"While some supporters may vote for Marcos and Villar out of respect for Duterte's influence, differences in political alignment remain a source of tension," said former presidential spokesman Harry Roque in a stark assessment of the situation.

The Vice President admitted her endorsement was a personal decision. But this explanation hasn't calmed the growing storm among Duterte loyalists who fear she's aligning with figures who might later turn against them.

Singer-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, running as part of the "Duter10" slate, called Sara's move a "political strategy" that directly opposes their chairman's official endorsements.

"An unofficial endorsement is due to many reasons: political accommodation, personal preference, or political contingency," Bondoc explained.

The rift highlights deep divisions within Philippine political circles. PDP-Laban party official Raul Lambino urged voters to support only the ten candidates officially backed by the former president.

"DuterTen kasi sampu po kaming kandidato ng PDP Laban at kami lamang ang 10 na opisyal inendorso ng dating president," Lambino said, stressing that only they have the former president's true blessing.

Critics see darker motives behind the Vice President's surprising endorsements. Richard Mata warned that Marcos and Villar might be more loyal to the current Marcos administration than to the Duterte political bloc.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan President Renato Reyes didn't mince words, calling the alliance between Sara Duterte, Marcos, and Villar one of "convenience and opportunism."

"This is an alliance solely to frustrate the impeachment process and remain in power beyond 2028," Reyes claimed.

The political drama intensified Tuesday when former president Duterte, serving as PDP-Laban chairman, endorsed former Senator Gregorio Honasan and Retired Colonel Ariel Querubin to complete his own slate – a move widely seen as reinforcing his separate political path from his daughter.

As election tensions rise, this family split could reshape Philippine political alliances for years to come.

Read more Latest News from The Philippines at: Reshuff PH

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