Recently, a dramatic scene unfolded in the Philippine political arena, where Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos (President Bongbong Marcos' sister) appeared together in the latest campaign advertisement, "hand in hand," a rare interaction that immediately caused a stir in the political world.
As the May 12, 2025, midterm elections enter the final sprint, this alliance is seen as an important signal of the reorganization of the Philippine political landscape.
1. Shocking Joint Appearance: Black Theme Conveys Strong Political Message
In the latest campaign video released by Imee Marcos, the two female politicians appear in all-black rock-style outfits, presenting a visually striking image. In the video, they jointly declare: "Black is the color of this country, because of hunger and crime. It is in mourning. The people are both starving and thirsty for justice; those who do not belong to a camp are oppressed."
It is noteworthy that at the end of the video, Imee Marcos emphasizes "Imee Marcos will fight for us," and reinterprets "ITIM" (Tagalog for "black") as a campaign slogan. The ad text "Sara trusts Imee Marcos" directly indicates the Vice President's stance.
2. Political Background: A Timely Alliance During a Critical Election Period
The timing of this alliance is intriguing:
Imee Marcos is still trailing in the latest polls and urgently needs political support
Sara Duterte's father, former President Duterte, is currently facing legal troubles due to charges by the International Criminal Court
The 2025 midterm elections are seen as a critical test for the Marcos administration
The video background intersperses scenes of Marcos presiding over Senate investigations and scenes of poverty and crime in the Philippines, hinting at the governance challenges faced by the current government. Political analysts point out that this carefully designed visual narrative aims to shape the image of the two women as "spokespersons for change."
3. Political Interpretation: The Duterte-Marcos Alliance's Reshuffling
This unexpected alliance could mean:
Political strategy adjustment of the Duterte family: Seeking new allies while the former president is in legal jeopardy
Election strategy of the Marcos family: Consolidating political base by absorbing Duterte camp supporters
Signal of political reorganization in the Philippines: Traditional political families attempting to break through existing camp boundaries
Professor Claire Santos of the University of the Philippines, a political scientist, states, "This could be the beginning of a 'dynastic alliance' reshuffle in Philippine politics. In the context of Duterte facing a legal crisis and the Marcos family needing to consolidate power, this alliance has strategic significance."
4. Social Reaction: Support and Criticism Coexist
This political show has triggered polarized reactions:
Supporters appreciate the unity of female political leaders
Critics question whether this is an exchange of interests among political families
Ordinary voters are more concerned about whether the social issues mentioned in the video can be truly resolved
As election day approaches, how this unexpected alliance will affect the Philippine political landscape remains to be seen. However, it is certain that this "hand in hand" political performance has successfully stirred the waters of Philippine politics.
