The political rivalry between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio has reached alarming new heights, with Duterte-Carpio recently threatening to assassinate Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she is harmed. This shocking claim includes her assertion that she has hired an assassin, a statement that has been referred to the Presidential Security Command for further action [08edfb59].
Duterte-Carpio's chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, has been detained for contempt in connection with the ongoing investigations into these threats, further complicating the political landscape [08edfb59]. Opposition figures have labeled Duterte-Carpio as 'unstable,' with former senator Antonio Trillanes IV questioning her mental fitness and warning that her threats could amount to sedition [08edfb59].
This escalation comes as the Philippines grapples with significant issues such as rising hunger, which currently affects 22.9% of Filipino families, translating to approximately 24 million people facing food insecurity. Despite claims of low inflation at 1.9%, food prices remain high, contributing to the Philippines having the highest hunger rate in ASEAN [5955a9f7].
As the 2025 Senate elections approach, the political environment is increasingly tense, with candidates aligned with Marcos leading in polls. Imee Marcos, the president's sister, has announced her independent candidacy, adding to the electoral dynamics [cd1ff4c4].
The ongoing feud between the Marcos and Duterte families poses a significant risk to the stability of the Philippines, with analysts warning that this discord may hinder economic growth plans and exacerbate the hunger crisis [5955a9f7]. As the election date nears, the potential for further political violence looms large, raising concerns about the future of governance in the country [08edfb59].