Did President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. take a swipe at the candidates affiliated with his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte?

During the proclamation rally of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in his home province of Ilocos Norte, Marcos compared the qualities of the administration’s senatorial slate to other candidates.

“Look at the record of our candidates. None of them have blood stains from the Tokhang. None of them are complicit in pocketing money and exploiting the pandemic crisis and leaving our countrymen to get sick and die. None of them praise China and are even happy when [our ships] are bombarded with water, our coast guards are hit, our fishermen are blocked, their catches are stolen, and on top of that, they are even grabbing our islands to become part of their country,” he said.

He also mentioned that none of Alyansa’s candidates are involved in the proliferation of Philippine Offshore and Gaming Operations (POGO) in the country, an industry that has abetted abuse toward women.

While he did not specifically name anyone, Marcos seemingly referred to Duterte and his allies.

Duterte was accused of allowing POGO and other online gambling activities in the country during his administration.

In 2024, Marcos ordered the shutdown of POGO operations.

The Marcos and Duterte families have not been on good terms since Vice President Sara Duterte left the cabinet and later threatened the lives of the President, the First Lady, and the Speaker of the House.

The Marcos administration is also seen to untangle strained relations with the International Criminal Court (ICC), especially in its investigation of the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign. However, Marcos’ stance on the Philippine government’s possible cooperation with the ICC remains unchanged.

Among the candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid, former Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Tito Sotto, Senator Francis Tolentino, and lawmakers Representative Erwin Tulfo and Representative Camille Villar.

Re-electionists from the Duterte camp include Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Senator Bong Go.