Masada's 2022 campaign for Marcos-Duterte tandem and its fallout
In 2022, the Marcos-Sara Duterte Alliance (MASADA) launched a campaign to unite the so-called Solid North and Solid South in support of a Marcos-Duterte tandem in the presidential election. The movement aimed to strengthen political alliances across the country, rallying behind Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for president and Sara Duterte for vice president.
However, the alliance that once symbolized political unity is now fractured, following the filing of an impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. Although President Marcos has publicly opposed the impeachment, his appeal appears to have been ignored, further highlighting the growing divide between the former allies.
MASADA’s Nationwide Campaign in 2022
During the 2022 election season, MASADA spearheaded a nationwide campaign with 700 parallel groups mobilizing support for the Marcos-Duterte ticket. Undersecretary Ranque, a key figure in the alliance, emphasized that MASADA had laid the groundwork for the tandem’s political strategy.
The campaign involved visits to local executives, with Ranque regularly engaging with electric cooperatives as part of MASADA’s grassroots efforts.
"MASADA is now ready to fortify the alliances nationwide," he said at the time.
At a meet-and-greet event in Sultan Kudarat, Mayor Sara Duterte acknowledged MASADA’s role in her decision to seek a national post in the 2022 election.
"I was not really planning to run, but Usec Ranque has been persistent, and I have no choice but to heed the call of the people," she said.
The campaign to urge Mayor Sara to run wrapped up in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, in November 2021, marking the final push before the election.
"We have achieved our objective. Mayor Sara has heeded the call of the people to join the 2022 election for the continuity of gains attained by her father, President Duterte," Ranque said.
The Aftermath of MASADA’s Efforts
The campaign, which began in Davao City in November 2021, expanded across key cities and towns in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In the Ilocos region, MASADA’s efforts were met with enthusiastic support from Duterte loyalists, who gathered in Laoag City to welcome the team. The group also conducted food ministries in Isabela, Cagayan, and the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.
However, despite its early influence, MASADA’s role faded after the 2022 elections. When Bongbong Marcos won the presidency, MASADA was left out of the political equation—a development that has now become part of history.
