Marcos, Duterte supporters rally in Philippines as family rift deepens

Supporters of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte were set to hold rival rallies on Sunday, as a battle over the country’s constitution highlighted a deepening rift between the powerful clans.

In the nearly two years since Marcos Jnr was swept to victory with the help of his vice-presidential running mate Sara Duterte – the former president’s daughter – their so-called “Unity Team” has fractured.

Relations between the families have deteriorated as they seek to shore up their respective support bases and secure key positions ahead of next year’s mid-term elections and the 2028 presidential race, which the younger Duterte is widely expected to contest.

In the latest rift, Marcos Jnr has backed a campaign for the 1987 constitution, introduced after his dictator father and namesake was ousted from power, to be changed to allow in more foreign investment – something both Dutertes have publicly opposed.

Critics warn the effort could pave the way for Marcos Jnr to get another six-year term, which is currently prohibited.

That would potentially put him on a collision course with the younger Duterte.

“Our constitution is fine ... why do we give ourselves a headache when we know all along that this is in order to, you know, you want to stay in power,” the elder Duterte said in a recent interview.

Marcos Jnr has said the constitution’s political provisions, including term limits for public officials, should be tackled later.