MID-TERM ELECTIONS LOOM
He spoke just before Marcos took the stage at a government-led rally in the capital to drum up support for his “Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)” campaign, where he has promised to improve state services and budget transparency.
Marcos’ alliance with the Dutertes was crucial to his presidential victory, so a souring of their relations could have implications in his bid to solidify his support base ahead of the mid-term Senate and congressional election next year.
Sara Duterte, who is also education secretary, attended the president’s rally before flying to Davao to join her father and siblings at a prayer rally against moves to amend the Philippine constitution, which Marcos backs.
Some opponents of constitutional change, including the Dutertes, say it is driven by an agenda to change the political system and remove term limits, including that of the president, who can currently serve just one six-year term.
“He is putting politics first, their self-preservation … Rather than focusing on the job,” Sebastian Duterte said.
“Mr. President, if you have no love and aspirations for the nation, resign.”
Like her brother, Sara Duterte has openly defied some of Marcos’ policies, including the peace talks with communist rebels which she said was an “agreement with the devil”.
There was no immediate comment from Marcos’ office or from the vice president on Sebastian Duterte’s remarks.
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