Sebastian Duterte, the incoming Vice Mayor of Davao City, recently stirred the political waters with his blunt remarks about the Marcos family. The comments came in a chance interview where Duterte was asked about Senator Imee Marcos and her statement that she could bring his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, back to the Philippines from The Hague.
“I don’t like the Marcoses anymore. Imee, I can be casual with her, I can treat her as a friend, but let us not talk about politics as we are not together on that,” Sebastian said.
His comments point to a growing political rift between the Duterte and Marcos families, which were once allies during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency.
Baste Duterte’s Rejection of Imee Marcos’ Claims
The issue started when Imee Marcos—who was also in The Hague during Vice President Sara Duterte’s birthday weekend—claimed that she could bring former President Rodrigo Duterte back to the Philippines. Sebastian quickly shut down her claim, saying, “She already returned to the Philippines, so it is not true that she will bring back former president Duterte.”
Sebastian’s statement marks a significant public distancing between him and the Marcos family, despite their previous political connections.
Baste Duterte’s Personal Perspective on His Father’s Health and Detention
In addition to his political comments, Sebastian shared a personal update about his father’s health. “He became thinner, so I am affected,” Sebastian admitted during the interview, revealing his emotional reaction to his father’s deteriorating condition.
The former president is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for charges related to crimes against humanity stemming from his controversial war on drugs. Sebastian, however, maintains his father’s innocence, stating that there is no reason for his father to be charged. He expressed confidence that his father would be released soon, despite the ongoing legal battles.
The Growing Political Divide Between the Duterte and Marcos Families
Sebastian Duterte’s comments underscore the rising tension between the Duterte family and the Marcoses. The political alliance that once existed between the two families appears to be unraveling, with Sebastian’s rejection of the Marcoses signaling a shift in the Duterte camp.
Imee Marcos, a prominent figure in the Marcos family and a key political leader, has faced criticism from Duterte supporters, especially regarding her involvement in the Duterte family’s ongoing legal issues. Sebastian’s remarks reflect his belief that politics and personal relationships should be kept separate, further cementing the growing divide between these two political dynasties.
In his interview, Sebastian was also asked about how his father could take the oath of office as mayor of Davao City despite being detained. While no final decision has been made, Sebastian assured that they are actively working on a solution.
PNP Chief’s Reassurance Amid Political Tensions
Amid these growing political tensions, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III made a public statement reassuring the public that there is no reason for political opponents of the Marcos administration to fear now that he is in charge of the country’s police force.
Torre emphasized that President Marcos had given him clear instructions to ensure that the PNP serves the public with respect and without bias. He further stated that individuals could criticize government policies, as long as their actions remain lawful.
While Torre has faced criticism from Duterte supporters since his involvement in former President Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague, he expressed that he had no problem with online critics, as long as their actions remained within the bounds of the law.
Torre also responded to Francis Steve Fontillas, a former police officer who had criticized him on social media. Fontillas was dismissed from the police force by the National Police Commission and is now facing charges for inciting sedition.
The Duterte-Marcos Rift Continues to Unfold
Sebastian Duterte’s recent comments highlight the ongoing political tension between the Duterte and Marcos families. As the Duterte camp continues to deal with legal battles and political shifts, the divide between the two families seems to be deepening, with personal and political differences growing more apparent.
As the Davao City leadership prepares for Sebastian’s official swearing-in as vice mayor, it’s clear that the political landscape in the Philippines will continue to evolve. The future of the Duterte and Marcos families remains uncertain, but the tension between them is undeniable.
For now, Sebastian Duterte remains resolute in his stance and his belief that his father should be cleared of the charges brought against him, while the political future of the Philippines hangs in the balance.
References:
- Rappler
- Philstar.com, June 2025
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