MANILA – The once-unbreakable alliance between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte shattered irreparably in 2025, evolving from subtle tensions into a full-blown political feud marked by impeachment proceedings, criminal charges, and public barbs. The “UniTeam” that propelled them to victory in 2022 became a symbol of betrayal, with key events unfolding month by month, reshaping Philippine politics and setting the stage for a contentious 2028 election.
The breakdown began in January with Marcos’ Executive Order No. 81 on December 30, 2024, removing Duterte from the National Security Council, which she dismissed as irrelevant. Duterte, on a trip to Japan, signaled her intent to run in 2028, a move the Palace called premature.
February escalated dramatically when the House impeached Duterte on February 6—the first for a sitting vice president—over misuse of confidential funds. Marcos denied involvement, while Duterte labeled it a “zarzuela” (farce) and vowed to fight, filing a Supreme Court petition with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, as counsel. The NBI also filed sedition and grave threat cases against her.
In March, Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the ICC in The Hague for crimes against humanity deepened the rift. Sara joined him, prioritizing his return as a “duty,” while Marcos denied persecution. Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte cursed Marcos, highlighting family loyalties.
April saw Sara confident in her impeachment trial, downplaying senatorial endorsements. May’s midterm elections disappointed her, with only a few allies winning, but she secured opposition support. Marcos’ peace overtures went unanswered, leading to verbal clashes between their camps.
June’s Supreme Court ruling deemed the impeachment unconstitutional, archiving the case and prompting Sara’s thanksgiving celebration.
From July onward, the feud shifted to corruption probes. Marcos’ SONA warned corrupt officials, indirectly referencing flood scandals. Duterte criticized it as a “zarzuela,” escalating exchanges. Both supported anti-corruption protests, but the alliance’s fracture was complete, influencing governance and future elections.
This year’s saga transformed Philippine politics from unity to division, with implications for accountability, opposition dynamics, and national stability.
Key Events Timeline (2025):
| Month | Major Incident | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| January | Duterte removed from NSC; hints at 2028 run | Early signs of rift; political maneuvering |
| February | House impeaches Duterte over funds misuse | Historic action; legal battles begin |
| March | Rodrigo Duterte arrested, sent to ICC | Family loyalty vs. international justice |
| April-May | Impeachment trial delays; midterm elections | Duterte’s political setbacks; opposition forms |
| June | SC rules impeachment unconstitutional | Case archived; temporary victory for Duterte |
| July-Onward | Corruption probes intensify; public clashes | Feud shifts to governance accountability |