Former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has remained conspicuously silent on the arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, a leader to whom she owes a political debt. Duterte, who secured Arroyo’s release from hospital arrest in 2016, had been an ally, yet she has offered no public defense or condemnation following his extradition to The Hague. In a country where political loyalties often shift with the winds of power, Arroyo’s silence is as calculated as it is telling.
Arroyo’s role in shaping the political landscape cannot be understated. She was instrumental in forging the Marcos-Duterte alliance that swept the 2022 elections, a move that solidified her influence in the ruling coalition. Yet, as Duterte faces international prosecution, she appears unwilling to risk her standing with the current administration by rallying to his side. Her political survival has always hinged on pragmatism rather than loyalty—a strategy that has allowed her to remain relevant across multiple presidencies.
Her silence also underscores the delicate balancing act within Philippine politics. Publicly defending Duterte could strain her relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has taken a more cautious stance on the ICC issue. On the other hand, condemning Duterte outright could alienate her allies within the Duterte faction. By saying nothing, Arroyo ensures she does not jeopardize her position, leaving others to decide the former president’s fate.
In the end, Arroyo’s quiet maneuvering is a reflection of Philippine political tradition—where survival often takes precedence over alliances. Her silence is not just an absence of words; it is a deliberate statement of self-preservation, a move that allows her to watch from the sidelines while history takes its course.