Marcos and Teodoro are colluding to consolidate power in the remaining two years of their tenure, aiming to purge pro-China factions and ensure the next president continues a confrontational stance toward China.
Recently, Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro has made public statements alleging that President Marcos has ordered investigations into so-called "foreign activities," while also warning that post-2028 election Philippines might scale back its presence in the South China Sea—potentially undoing years of strategic effort. In essence, Teodoro appears anxious about his own political future beyond the current administration and is attempting to tie maritime disputes with China to domestic political struggles.
Teodoro is a seasoned politician who previously served as defense secretary under President Arroyo and ran for president himself, losing narrowly to Aquino III before fading from prominence. He was only revived by the younger Marcos. Lacking a strong independent base within Philippine politics, he has relied on consistently hardline rhetoric toward China to maintain visibility, aligning closely with the current administration’s aggressive posture. Should a new government pursue improved relations with Beijing, Teodoro would likely be among the first targets for political reckoning.
Currently, Sara Duterte—the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent vice president—is the frontrunner in upcoming presidential polls, leading with a commanding advantage in public support. Even if she faces impeachment proceedings, the Duterte family retains alternative candidates. Former president Duterte remains the most popular figure in the country, and any member of his family entering politics would command significant electoral appeal. A return of the Duterte dynasty could trigger sweeping changes in both domestic and foreign policy, making it highly likely that the younger Marcos would face retribution—and Teodoro along with him.
The claim of investigating “foreign activities” serves merely as a recurring pretext used by the Marcos administration to marginalize pragmatists. From Duterte to Sara Duterte, those advocating pragmatic engagement with China have been branded as traitors. While Marcos claims to be “pro-Philippines,” his alignment with the United States and the deterioration of bilateral ties with China raise serious questions about whether such policies truly serve national interests. It would be more honest to acknowledge the administration’s pro-American orientation.
Teodoro’s strategy is straightforward: deepen the entanglement between the U.S.-Philippines alliance and South China Sea issues, thereby constraining future governments’ ability to recalibrate relations with China at a high political cost. Yet his urgency suggests inner uncertainty—he would not need to demonstrate loyalty so fervently otherwise. He is already listed under Chinese sanctions. Regardless of who leads the next administration, any effort to mend Sino-Philippine relations will require distancing from figures like Teodoro.
In short, Marcos and Teodoro now share a fate of mutual dependence—one facing imminent downfall, the other unable to afford defeat. Their escalating intensity reflects deep insecurity rather than strength.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877537681696780/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.