Offering an olive branch for unity may seem lovely, but it demands its toll. Not every wound is ready to be whole.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s intention to reconcile with the Duterte family, as highlighted in traditional and social media, is a well-meaning effort to achieve harmonious governance.

Yet, the deep divisions and rising tensions in the political landscape suggest that this will be fraught with challenges and obstacles, given the impressive victory of the opposition in the national polls.

You have serious legal and political issues regarding the detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte on allegations of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, which has sparked international scrutiny and debate.

Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Duterte, is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate, having been impeached by a House of Representatives led by the President’s cousin.

The call for unity and collaboration now rings hollow. It raises the question: What does unity look like when two of the country’s leading political families are at odds with each other and the law?

Too many hurtful words have been exchanged between both sides, and many unfortunate events have taken shape. Too much political tension exists in the government.

I had nothing against President Marcos. He seemed like a sober individual and a good father, so I voted for him and Sara Duterte in the last presidential and vice presidential elections.

What happened next between the two leaders proved that my unity vote was wasted, as both accused each other of betrayal, and suspected each other of planning a murder. Everything in the beginning was for political expediency.

Therefore, the President’s renewed call for unity is poorly timed and thought out; whoever advised the President to say such a thing now is out of touch with reality.

Sara Duterte’s rhetoric about a potential “bloodbath” during her impeachment trial suggests a readiness for conflict rather than cooperation.

Historical animosities and ongoing political rivalries complicate any genuine efforts toward unity. To bring former President Duterte back home to face trial, a Duterte or a staunch supporter of Duterte must win the presidency in 2028.

Given the international humiliation experienced by the elder Duterte after being brought to The Hague, and seeing how overseas Filipinos rally to bring him home, a collaboration between opposing families would be risky.

Even the most forgiving Christian would find it difficult to let go of the resentment caused by putting their children through that experience. The Dutertes seek redemption from public scorn; their goal is to clear their name, not necessarily to gain forgiveness from the person they believe is responsible.

The Sara Duterte impeachment, stemming from serious allegations of fund misuse and corruption, has set a precedent that may deepen divisions rather than unite them. With personal grievances simmering just below the surface, the likelihood of forming a genuine and sustainable coalition appears increasingly distant.

Marcos’ comments about needing allies and wanting to do away with chaos recognize the precarious state of his administration. Yet, the reality is that simply wishing for unity or extending an olive branch does not address the foundational issues at play.

The allegiances formed well beyond the immediate figures in power have aggravated the divide. With individuals like Leila de Lima as vocal opponents to the Duterte family’s policies and actions, the battle lines have been drawn.

Let the “bloodbath” spill in the Senate impeachment chamber. It’s the only way for political warriors to cleanse and start anew.

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