CARMEN, Davao del Norte – In a bold move, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directly confronted former President Rodrigo Duterte over his recent controversial statement about eliminating 15 senators to clear the path for his own political allies.
During a campaign rally for the administration-backed Senate slate, Marcos expressed his disapproval of Duterte’s remarks, which were made at a political event in support of his party’s candidates for the midterm elections.
“Maybe they know they don’t stand a chance, so the solution is to kill 15 senators,” Marcos stated, addressing a large crowd. He criticized Duterte’s tendency to suggest violence as an answer to political problems. “The problem with this person is that every solution he offers involves killing a fellow Filipino.”
Duterte, known for his tough and often controversial rhetoric, made the comment jokingly during a proclamation rally for his party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), but Marcos did not take it lightly.
A Battle for Mindanao’s Political Loyalty
Marcos’ public criticism is significant, as Davao is traditionally seen as Duterte’s stronghold. The region remains fiercely loyal to the former president and his political dynasty. However, Marcos and his administration-backed Senate slate, known as Alyansa, are actively campaigning across Mindanao, aiming to secure votes through a platform focused on competence, experience, and progress.
Despite Duterte’s influence in the region, Alyansa candidates are confident they can appeal to voters by emphasizing their strong public service records. Former Senate President Tito Sotto, a key figure in the slate, highlighted how voter preferences often shift as campaigns unfold.
“In my experience managing national campaigns since 1992, I’ve seen that early assumptions about strongholds can change. When campaigns begin, voters start evaluating candidates based on performance rather than party affiliations,” Sotto said.
ACT-CIS Partylist Representative Erwin Tulfo echoed this sentiment, arguing that Mindanao is not exclusively under Duterte’s control. “Many of our candidates have contributed significantly to Mindanao’s development. People will recognize their hard work and dedication,” he said.
Campaigning on Performance Over Political Names
Other Alyansa candidates reinforced the idea that performance should be the main factor in elections. Senatorial hopeful and former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao connected with voters by sharing his personal struggles with poverty. “I know what it’s like to be poor. That’s why I’m passionate about bringing real change to our country,” he said.
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos emphasized the importance of direct voter engagement, particularly in Mindanao. “We are here to introduce ourselves, to let people know our vision and our dedication to progress,” he said. Similarly, Makati Mayor Abby Binay acknowledged that she might not have a strong base in Mindanao but saw it as an opportunity to connect with new voters.
“We need to step out of our comfort zones. The point of a campaign is to reach people who don’t know you yet, to prove your capabilities,” Binay explained.
Marcos’ Strategy to Win Over Mindanao
Marcos’ campaign team recognizes Mindanao’s significance in the upcoming elections. The region makes up nearly 24% of the country’s total voters, with the Davao Region alone accounting for close to 5%. While Davao City remains a Duterte stronghold, Davao del Norte supported Marcos in the 2022 elections, with help from Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president’s daughter.
Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco, the campaign manager for Alyansa, emphasized the administration’s commitment to nationwide voter outreach. “Our goal is to present our platform to every Filipino, regardless of region. Every vote counts, and every citizen’s concerns matter,” he said.
The Alyansa campaign officially launched in Ilocos Norte, Marcos’ home province, before heading to Iloilo and now Mindanao. Their strategy highlights infrastructure expansion, economic growth, and social welfare programs as key priorities.
“Mindanao stood with Marcos in 2022, and we believe they will support his vision for progress in this election as well,” Tiangco stated.
As the campaign heats up, the battle for Mindanao’s votes will be a defining factor in shaping the political landscape leading up to the midterm elections.
