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Wazzup Pilipinas!?
On January 13, 2025, the National Rally for Peace led by Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) became a defining moment in Philippine politics. The rally, ostensibly apolitical, was an unmistakable endorsement of Vice President Sara Duterte, who currently faces three impeachment complaints in Congress. The INC reiterated their support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s (BBM) stance against pursuing these impeachment proceedings, emphasizing that such actions would not benefit the Filipino people.
However, this display of solidarity brought with it a complex political quagmire for BBM, forcing him to tread a delicate line.
The INC Rally: A Political Statement Veiled as Unity
The INC rally gathered millions of Filipinos, showcasing the religious bloc’s enduring influence. While framed as a call for peace and unity, the event’s underlying purpose was clear—to rally against the impeachment of Vice President Duterte. The crowd’s enthusiasm reflected not just support for the Vice President but also growing frustration with the political system’s dysfunctions.
Congressman Rodante Marcoleta’s fiery speech was the centerpiece of the event. He criticized the House leadership for its alleged corruption and accused it of orchestrating a plot to discredit VP Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Marcoleta didn’t hold back, hinting at systemic corruption within BBM’s administration and calling out the failure to uphold the rule of law.
The rally’s message was unmistakable: protect Sara Duterte, expose corruption, and demand accountability. But the implications for BBM were far more complex.
A Deafening Silence from Malacañang
Vice President Duterte immediately expressed her gratitude to the INC on social media, recognizing their support. In stark contrast, BBM remained silent, neither acknowledging the INC’s backing nor addressing the rally’s broader implications.
This silence is telling. To thank the INC would be to implicitly endorse Marcoleta’s damning accusations, including allegations of corruption within BBM’s government and criticism of House Speaker Martin Romualdez—BBM’s cousin and a key political ally. On the other hand, failing to thank the INC risks alienating one of the most powerful political blocs in the country, a dangerous move given BBM’s declining approval and trust ratings.
The Marcos-Romualdez-Duterte Triangle
At the heart of BBM’s dilemma lies the precarious balance within the Marcos-Duterte alliance. The INC rally amplified tensions between the President’s camp and Vice President Duterte’s supporters. Marcoleta’s critique of the House leadership put Romualdez in the spotlight, indirectly implicating BBM in the alleged dysfunction.
BBM’s silence underscores his struggle to maintain this delicate balance. Publicly siding with INC and Marcoleta risks deepening the rift with Romualdez, who wields significant influence as Speaker. Conversely, distancing himself from INC may weaken his already tenuous alliance with VP Duterte, whose political clout helped secure his victory in 2022.
INC’s Calculated Power Play
The INC’s rally was not just a show of support; it was a masterclass in political strategy. By framing the event as a call for peace and unity, they avoided direct confrontation with BBM while simultaneously pressuring him to act. The rally’s success reaffirmed the INC’s political relevance, sending a clear message to Malacañang: their support is not unconditional.
This calculated move placed BBM in a bind, exposing the fragility of his alliances and the growing discontent within his administration.
The Fallout: A Presidency Under Siege
Critics have seized on BBM’s silence, portraying him as indecisive and overly reliant on his inner circle, including First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Speaker Romualdez. Some argue that BBM’s inaction reflects a deeper issue—his inability to lead amid mounting political crises.
The rally also highlighted a growing perception that BBM is more a figurehead than a decisive leader. His failure to address systemic corruption and power struggles within Congress has fueled criticism that he is a weak president, manipulated by those around him.
What’s Next for BBM?
BBM’s dilemma encapsulates the broader challenges facing his administration. The INC rally exposed cracks in his political alliances and raised questions about his leadership. As the impeachment complaints against VP Duterte gain traction, BBM must navigate an increasingly volatile political landscape.
His silence may buy him time, but it also risks deepening divisions within his administration and eroding public trust. To regain control, BBM must act decisively—either by mending fences with key allies or addressing the systemic issues exposed by the rally.
For now, BBM remains trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, grappling with a political crisis that could define his presidency. His next move will not only shape his legacy but also determine the future of his administration. Will he rise to the occasion, or will he become a casualty of the very alliances that brought him to power? Only time will tell.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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