Sara’s Imee endorsement sparks Rody supporters' ire

Vice President Sara Duterte's endorsement of Senator Imee Marcos ignited a firestorm of criticism from supporters of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and members of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

The endorsements, featured in televised advertisements, have prompted calls for the public to support only the "Duter10," the official senatorial slate endorsed by the former president.

Duterte loyalists and PDP-Laban figures view the vice president's move as a betrayal, citing the strained relationship between the Dutertes and the Marcos administration.

Supporters expressed disappointment, fearing the vice president's alignment with political figures who could later oppose the Duterte family.

Former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque acknowledged that some supporters might still vote for Marcos and Villar out of respect for the former president's influence, but he emphasized the ongoing political tensions.

Singer-lawyer Jimmy Bondoc, a Duter10 candidate, suggested the endorsements were driven by political strategy.

"The official endorsement went through party processes, and our leaders genuinely want them elected," Bondoc said. "The unofficial endorsement could stem from various reasons: political accommodation, personal preference, or political contingency."

Meantime, Atty. Raul Lambino urged Duterte loyalists to disregard the vice president's endorsements and vote solely for the Duter10, emphasizing their official PDP-Laban backing.

"The Duter10 are the 10 candidates of PDP-Laban and the only 10 officially endorsed by the former president," Lambino said.

Dr. Richard Mata, on the other hand, appealed to Duterte supporters to reject Marcos and Villar, warning their loyalties might lie with the Marcos administration.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan President Renato Reyes offered a critical perspective, describing the vice president's move as part of a "political agenda."

"As in any alliance of traditional politicians of the ruling elite, theirs is an alliance of convenience and opportunism," Reyes said. "This is an alliance solely to frustrate the impeachment process and remain in power beyond 2028."

Online, Duterte supporters criticized the vice president's endorsements as "shameful," highlighting the political differences between the two camps.