Makabayan Lawmakers Challenge Duterte Family’s Political Influence
Incoming members of the House from the Makabayan bloc have voiced strong criticism against Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent call for her brother, Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte, to run for House Speaker in the 20th Congress. The keyphrase “Duterte family political influence” emerges as a central theme in this unfolding political discourse.
Representatives-elect from Kabataan and ACT Teachers Party-list, who spoke to local observers, described Vice President Duterte’s push as an effort to reinforce the Duterte family political influence, which they believe is diminishing. One source explained, “Fantasy ‘yan sila. Threatened ang mga Duterte na mawalan ng kapit sa poder kung tuluyang matanggal sa pwesto si Sara at ma-convict si Digong, kaya biglang pepwesto si Pulong.” This translates to the Dutertes feeling threatened about losing their hold on power if Sara is removed and former President Rodrigo Duterte faces conviction, prompting Paolo Duterte to position himself for leadership.
Political Context Surrounding the Duterte Family
Vice President Sara Duterte currently faces an impeachment trial in the Senate, while former President Rodrigo Duterte is under international scrutiny, detained and tried by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. Despite these challenges, Rep. Paolo Duterte secured a third and final term in the House of Representatives.
Should Paolo Duterte pursue the Speakership and fail, he could still assume the role of House Minority Leader, maintaining a strategic political foothold.
Calls for Genuine Opposition and Anti-Dynasty Legislation
Critics from the Makabayan bloc urge the Duterte family to stop masquerading as opposition. One representative-elect stated, “Huwag silang magpanggap na oposisyon.” They emphasize the urgent need to pass the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill to prevent families from monopolizing government positions, declaring, “Kailangan na talaga magpasa ng Anti-Political Dynasty Bill para hindi na nilalaro ng mga pami-pamilya ang mga posisyon sa gobyerno.”
Signs of Waning Political Capital
A former lawmaker highlighted that the Duterte family’s political influence is clearly declining. While they maintained support within Davao City, significant losses in neighboring provinces and nationwide signal a shrinking political base. Observers note, “The Dutertes may have won in Davao City, but they suffered substantial losses in surrounding provinces and across the country. Their political capital is eroding, yet they continue to act as if they have a mandate to control all branches of government.”
Democracy and Power Monopoly Concerns
The same sources warn the Dutertes that their authority stems from the people, not an inherited entitlement. “Dapat tandaan nina VP Sara at Rep. Pulong na ang kanilang kapangyarihan ay nanggagaling sa taumbayan, at hindi ito isang karapatan na ipinagkakaloob sa kanilang pamilya. Ang pagtatangka nilang monopolyohin ang kapangyarihan ay taliwas sa diwa ng demokrasya,” they emphasized.
Advocacy for Merit-Based Leadership
Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc are calling on their colleagues to oppose any moves by the Dutertes to expand their political reach in Congress. “We urge our colleagues in the House to stand firm against this brazen attempt to treat our democratic institutions as family possessions. The Speaker and Minority Leader positions should be filled based on merit, capability, and commitment to serve the Filipino people, not on family connections,” one advocate concluded.
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