Emergence of a rift between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his deputy, Vice President Sara Duterte, has been the talk of the town since last week, with Marcos Jr.’s wife, Liza Araneta Marcos, openly criticizing Duterte. The catalyst for the feud was a rally in January where former President Rodrigo Duterte and Marcos’ father both referred to the president as a “drug addict.” Duterte’s reported laughter during this incident ignited the controversy that has since unfolded. Marcos Jr. has addressed the situation, emphasizing that it will not impact his professional relationship with Sara Duterte and that his wife’s reaction is understandable. He recognizes that Duterte, as a wife, can empathize with Liza Marcos’s feelings when her husband is subjected to such attacks. Marcos Jr. intends to facilitate discussions with Sara Duterte to resolve their differences, urging his wife not to take the insults personally as they did not originate from the vice president. Marcos Jr. highlighted his wife’s lack of political experience, which he believes contributed to her outburst. Although she comes from a non-political background, he acknowledged that her family has political ties. Despite the controversy, Marcos Jr. has ruled out replacing Sara Duterte as education secretary. He holds her in high regard, commending her competence and integrity, despite some lawmakers questioning her experience in the field. Marcos Jr. stressed that if she were no longer capable of fulfilling her duties, he would replace her, but he does not believe that to be the case. The apparent feud between the Marcos and Duterte clans has sparked discussions in the Philippines, with some lawmakers advocating for Sara Duterte’s resignation. Nonetheless, Marcos Jr. remains confident in his wife and Sara Duterte’s abilities, aiming to navigate through this situation while preserving their political alliance.
Marcos Rift: President Defends Wife, Rules Out Dropping Duterte as Education Secretary
