Marcos Jnr ‘always available’ to meet Duterte amid cracks in Philippine alliance between country’s political families

Duterte, the former president, said he wants to talk to his successor about the suspension of a supporter’s broadcast company

This shows growing cracks in alliance of Philippines ’ largest political families that produced wins in 2022 for Marcos and VP Sara Duterte, Rodrigo’s daughter

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Outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) stands beside incoming Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr as they attend the oath taking rites of Vice-President elect Sara Duterte in Davao city, southern Philippines on June 19, 2022. Photo: AP

Published: 5:35pm, 8 Jan 2024

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has offered to meet with former leader Rodrigo Duterte amid rumours of a brewing destabilisation being linked to his predecessor.

Duterte on Saturday denied any involvement in moves that will undermine his successor after a former senator said people allied with the ex-president are agitating active military members.

Marcos is “always available” to meet with Duterte, his Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said on Sunday, after the former president said he wants to talk to his successor about the suspension of a supporter’s broadcast company.

The recent developments are highlighting the growing cracks in the alliance of the Philippines’ two largest political families that produced landslide victories in 2022 for Marcos and Vice-President Sara Duterte, Rodrigo’s daughter.

A fractured coalition comes at a time when Marcos is banking on domestic support in his campaign to assert the nation’s rights in the South China Sea. It may also impact his ability to extend influence after his term ends in 2028.