President Marcos worried about VP Sara reversing his policies

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines said he does not regret running with Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections but fears her potential reversal of his policies if she becomes president. He defended their past alliance, stating it was the best decision at the time, though tensions have since grown, including Duterte’s resignation as education secretary and vice chair of the anti-insurgency task force in June 2024. Marcos expressed worry about policy continuity, emphasizing that reforms require time and stability. He criticized the Philippines’ political system for encouraging short-term thinking, noting that local and national leaders often abandon progress for electoral campaigns. The president described Filipino politics as prone to abrupt shifts, where new officials discard prior achievements, hindering institutional growth. Relations between Marcos and Duterte deteriorated further when Duterte revealed she had allegedly ordered the killing of Marcos, his wife Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an assassination plot against her succeeded. These claims are part of the second impeachment complaint filed against Duterte by the House of Representatives last month. Marcos rejected the idea of a political war, stating he focuses on governance rather than personal conflicts. He urged Filipinos to prioritize national development over partisan divisions, arguing that continuity is essential for economic and institutional progress. The president highlighted how frequent leadership changes disrupt progress, contrasting it with more stable regional economies. He also noted the challenges of passing legislation under short political terms, where lawmakers must balance policy work with electoral campaigns. Marcos called for a shift toward long-term planning, warning that the Philippines’ ‘stop-and-go’ approach undermines stability and growth.