The battle lines have been drawn. What started as political maneuvering between the camps of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte has escalated into a full-blown war.

As the 2025 midterm elections approach, both factions are taking their campaigns on the road — literally and figuratively — each seeking to capture the public sentiment and consolidate their political power. But with both sides engaging in legal and political skirmishes, which roadshow will truly capture the public’s interest?

The latest salvo in this intensifying feud came when Duterte’s allies filed a case before the Ombudsman against House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House officials over the alleged unlawful insertion of P241 billion in the bicameral committee report on the 2025 budget.

This move followed the filing of impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte by House lawmakers — widely seen as a coordinated attack against the Duterte camp. With these back-and-forth legal offensives, the political war has moved beyond the usual rhetoric and into the realm of governance, policymaking and national budget allocations.

The Marcos administration’s campaign strategy is focused on projecting stability, economic recovery and a continuity of governance. Their roadshow will likely highlight infrastructure projects, economic performance and the administration’s legislative agenda, all while framing the Duterte camp as disruptive and divisive.

The administration’s control over the House of Representatives allows them to push their narrative effectively. The impeachment complaints against VP Sara Duterte and the corruption allegations against Duterte allies serve as weapons to weaken the opposition while asserting dominance over the national conversation.

However, the Marcos administration’s roadshow faces its own hurdles. The public perception of economic struggles, issues with the 2025 budget and accusations of political dynasties dominating governance could make it difficult to fully sell their message.

If the corruption allegations against Romualdez and House leaders gain traction, the administration may find itself in a defensive position rather than dictating the pace of the campaign.

On the other side, the Duterte camp is positioning itself as the voice of the people against an administration they now frame as corrupt and oligarchic.

Former President Duterte, who remains wildly popular in many parts of the country, especially in Mindanao and Davao, has been vocal in attacking the Marcos administration’s policies. His roadshow will likely focus on themes of betrayal, injustice and political persecution, painting his daughter’s impeachment as an act of vengeance rather than governance.

The lawsuit against Romualdez and House officials also gives the Duterte camp a chance to expose alleged anomalies within the government, reinforcing their narrative of “us versus them.”

Duterte’s street-style rhetoric and aggressive campaign methods resonate with the masses and his ability to draw large crowds remains a significant factor in this political contest.

Both roadshows have their unique appeal. The Marcos camp’s message of stability might resonate with voters who prioritize governance and economic recovery.

On the other hand, the Duterte camp’s populist approach, coupled with the former president’s fiery personality, could energize a mass base that still yearns for the iron-fisted leadership he once embodied.

Ultimately, this political war is far from over. The 2025 elections will serve as a referendum on both factions and the public will decide which narrative holds the most weight. Will they side with the promise of continuity under Marcos, or will they rally behind Duterte’s battle cry against an administration he now opposes?

One thing is certain — the road to 2025 will be anything but dull.