Trump allegedly plans to annex the Philippines again in a reported “power move.”
Photo by Amit Roth
Early Monday morning, thousands gathered in Davao City, Philippines for a political rally organized by Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, otherwise known as the Philippine Democratic Party. The rally, focused on the country’s upcoming senatorial midterm elections, sparked controversy over a series of speeches by three prominent figures of the Duterte political family: Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
Considered to be one of the most prolific and longstanding current political dynasties in the Philippines, the Duterte family has set out to challenge the sitting Marcos administration’s “threats to the integrity of the Philippines.” Critics claim this worry has compounded after escalating conflict led to the Vice President’s impeachment by the House of Representatives on February 5. She currently awaits a senate trial for the case, which has prompted charged comments from the former president that he would “bomb 15 senators to open up seats for [his] party.” Brushing off these statements as a joke, the Duterte clan continues to organize rallies in their home island of Mindanao.
Around 1 p.m., self-proclaimed “serial killer” Rodrigo Duterte took to the stage and embarked on what some viewers have described as an “eight-hour tirade” against US President Donald Trump. In what reportedly came as a shock to many onlookers, Duterte did not acknowledge the upcoming election or ongoing political strife in the Philippines for the duration of this speech.
“Fuck that guy,” Duterte slurred as the crowd was witnessed roaring in support. “That softie bitch is a weak excuse for a leader. Does he even know what martial law is?”
Shortly after this speech, Filipino political figures erupted into rage and mild confusion over the whole debacle. “I do not even know where to begin,” Philippine political analyst Alan Alonto explained. “Trump has been a threat to American democracy since 2016; to downplay his impact is just… What?”
President Marcos held a press conference expressing disappointment in the behavior of his predecessor, but simultaneously exhibited extreme gratitude that he could finally stand on stage in the presence of the Duterte family and their supporters without wearing a bulletproof vest.
The speech was later uploaded to social media, quickly garnering the attention of an international audience. Social media users reposted the video over one million times, demanding that the former president explain himself. The patriarch did not immediately respond, but his youngest son, Mayor Baste Duterte, reposted an AI image of himself dueling Barron Trump, captioning it “Ha.”
This past Tuesday, Rodrigo Duterte finally agreed to an interview with 24 Oras TV reporter Melani Enriquez, during which he offered an apology to the American public. “To the Americans watching. I am sorry,” he said. “I am sorry you chose such a disappointing leader. When he was shot he made it such a big deal. Going on and on about getting shot. Putang ina mo we get it! Move on! Bwisit na man. Not even a scratch on his ear. In university, I was shot in the heart 3 times. Didn’t even see a doctor. Donald is the definition of woke.”
Trump immediately took to X (formerly known as Twitter), writing: “SO SAD to hear that from my dear friend Rodrigo – The Woke Left has told you LIES my friend. Will be mourning the loss of this friendship. NO press conference this week.” A White House Correspondent later described Trump to be “looking longingly” out the window of the oval office, hugging a framed picture of the two leaders from the height of their “bromance.”
