With the 2025 midterm elections fast approaching, the political landscape has become even more volatile, dominated by the ongoing word war between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte.

What initially seemed like mere political jabs has escalated into a full-blown feud, with Duterte accusing Marcos Jr. of stealing from the country’s gold reserves and steering the nation toward dictatorship — like his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., did when he declared martial law in 1972.

Malacañang, in response, dismissed Duterte’s allegations as baseless and labeled him a “one-man fake news factory.”

This exchange of accusations not only intensifies the already polarizing political environment but also raises deeper concerns about governance, historical revisionism, and the battle for the public perception.

Duterte, now a vocal opposition figure, has employed his signature blunt rhetoric to paint Marcos Jr. as a corrupt leader plundering the nation’s wealth. The claim that Marcos Jr. is stealing from the gold reserves is particularly striking, as it echoes the longstanding controversy surrounding the Marcos family’s alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Furthermore, Duterte’s warning of an impending dictatorship under Marcos Jr. draws parallels to the martial law years — an issue that remains a point of contention in Philippine history.

Given the upcoming elections, Duterte’s outburst can be seen as a strategic move to discredit the Marcos administration and to rally support for his allies. The former president still wields significant influence, particularly in Mindanao, and his accusations will shape voter sentiment, especially among those who remain skeptical of the Marcos family’s return to power.

The Marcos administration, unsurprisingly, is not taking Duterte’s accusations lightly. By dismissing him as a purveyor of fake news, Malacañang aims to undermine his credibility and frame him as an unreliable source of information. This tactic aligns with the administration’s broader effort to project stability and competence amid the economic struggles and governance challenges.

However, simply branding Duterte’s claims as hoaxes may not be enough to sway public opinion. Marcos Jr. remains under scrutiny, especially regarding transparency in governance and his handling of national issues. The more his administration attempts to downplay Duterte’s accusations, the more some sectors of the public may question whether there is some truth behind them.

The growing hostility between Marcos Jr. and Duterte is a stark contrast to their previous alliance, which played a crucial role in the 2022 elections. The Marcos-Duterte tandem then was seen as a powerhouse coalition that united northern and southern political strongholds.

However, cracks began to surface after Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as Education secretary and distanced herself from the Marcos administration.

The rift between the two camps indicates a significant realignment in Philippine politics.

Duterte’s offensive against Marcos Jr. suggests that he is consolidating his base and possibly positioning himself — and his allies — for a major political comeback.

Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. must parry these attacks while maintaining control of his administration and ensuring that his candidates perform well in the midterm elections.

As the election season heats up, the word war between the Marcos and Duterte camps is unlikely to die down anytime soon. The real question is whether these verbal skirmishes will translate into actual political consequences. Will Duterte’s accusations erode public support for Marcos Jr.? Or will Malacañang’s counterattacks successfully neutralize the former president’s influence?

One thing is certain: the battle for political dominance in the Philippines is far from over.

Whether this feud will lead to meaningful discussions on governance or merely serve as a spectacle of political theatrics remains to be seen.

Either way, the Filipino electorate must remain vigilant, discerning truth from rhetoric as the nation heads into yet another crucial electoral cycle.