MANILA—President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s senatorial slate, Team Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas, has suffered major political damage in Visayas and Mindanao following his controversial decision to allow former President Rodrigo Duterte to be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move has triggered a wave of public outrage, particularly in regions where Duterte enjoys steadfast support. The fallout has been swift, with several political analysts warning that this misstep could cost Marcos Jr.’s allies dearly in the upcoming elections.
Former senator and senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson confirmed the backlash, citing reports from political leaders on the ground. “This is a major backlash,” Lacson said. “Iyan ang feedback namin sa mga lider namin sa Visayas at Mindanao.” Many supporters in the south, who had initially aligned with Marcos Jr. due to his alliance with Duterte, now feel betrayed by his administration’s decision to open the door for international scrutiny of Duterte’s controversial drug war.
The international community has also taken notice, with pro-Duterte groups abroad expressing solidarity with the former president. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in countries like Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States—many of whom remain loyal to Duterte—have voiced their discontent, amplifying the domestic outrage. Analysts suggest that this could impact Marcos Jr.’s standing among the Filipino diaspora, a crucial voting bloc in national elections.
The backlash in Visayas and Mindanao is particularly alarming for Marcos Jr., as these regions were key to his electoral victory in 2022. The political machinery that helped secure his win now appears fractured, with some local leaders reportedly reconsidering their support for his candidates. With the midterm elections approaching, the damage control efforts from the administration will be critical in determining whether the president can salvage his coalition.
While the full extent of the political fallout remains uncertain, what is clear is that Marcos Jr.’s decision has reshaped the political landscape. His administration now faces a formidable challenge: maintaining control over a once-unified base while navigating the consequences of an unprecedented rift with the Duterte camp.