Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Resigns from President Marcos Jr.'s Cabinet

In a shocking move, Vice President Sara Duterte has tendered her resignation as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Vice Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), effectively leaving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Cabinet. The development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing feud between the Marcos and Duterte families, which has been simmering beneath the surface since the 2022 elections.

According to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil, Duterte submitted her resignation at 2:21 pm on Wednesday, June 19, without providing a reason for her decision. Garafil confirmed that President Marcos has accepted the resignation, adding that Duterte will continue to serve as Vice President.

The Vice President later held a press conference, where she is believed to have elaborated on her decision. However, the exact reasons behind her resignation remain unclear.

The Marcos and Duterte families, two of the most powerful political dynasties in the Philippines, formed an unlikely alliance in the 2022 elections, which propelled Marcos Jr. to the presidency and Duterte to the vice presidency. The partnership was seen as a "marriage of convenience" by analysts, given the significant differences in their political ideologies and styles.

However, the relationship has been fraught with tension, particularly in recent months. One of the key points of contention has been the House of Representatives' decision to deny Duterte's request for confidential funds in the 2024 budget. The move was seen as a snub by the Vice President, who has been at odds with Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Marcos.

The rift between the two families has also been fueled by public criticisms and insults. In January, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Sara's father, accused Marcos Jr. of illegal drug use, a claim that the President laughed off and attributed to the older Duterte's continued use of fentanyl. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the two leaders, with Duterte Sr. calling Marcos Jr. "a liar" and "a coward."

In April, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos confirmed that she was not on good terms with the Vice President, citing an incident where Duterte was seen laughing at her father's insinuation that Marcos Jr. was under the influence of drugs. The First Lady expressed her offense at the Vice President's behavior, which further strained the relationship between the two families.

WHY IT MATTERS: The resignation of Vice President Duterte as DepEd Secretary and her departure from the Marcos Cabinet marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The fallout between the Marcos and Duterte families has far-reaching implications for the country's governance, politics, and stability.

The development raises questions about the future of the Uniteam alliance, which was instrumental in the Marcos-Duterte victory in the 2022 elections. With the Vice President no longer part of the Cabinet, it remains to be seen how the relationship between the two families will evolve in the coming months.

Moreover, the resignation of Duterte as DepEd Secretary could have significant implications for the country's education sector. As the head of the department, Duterte has been instrumental in shaping the country's education policy, and her departure could lead to a change in direction or focus.

Key Takeaways:

• Vice President Sara Duterte has resigned as DepEd Secretary and left the Marcos Cabinet, citing the need to focus on her vice presidential duties.
• The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing feud between the Marcos and Duterte families.
• The rift between the two families has been fueled by public criticisms and insults, including accusations of drug use and personal attacks.
• The resignation of Duterte as DepEd Secretary could have significant implications for the country's education sector.
• The development raises questions about the future of the Uniteam alliance and the relationship between the Marcos and Duterte families.