FINDING ANSWERS

Is a Marcos-Aquino coalition possible in the coming 2025 midterm elections?

In the landscape of Philippine politics before the rise of the Dutertes, very few families have resonated as powerfully as the Marcoses and Aquinos. For decades, the two political families belonged to opposite ends of the political spectrum.

In 1986 when the world saw the abrupt end of the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and the sudden ascension of Corazon Aquino to the pinnacle of power in the EDSA people power revolt, the stark difference between the Aquinos and Marcoses seemed like night and day.

Thus, the probability of an alliance of the two political families with a long history of conflict between them was not only farfetched in the 1980s, it was even unthinkable among staunch supporters of both camps.

But with the Dutertes now criticizing the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM), it seems the opposition at present primarily consists of rabid supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte.

Even diehard followers of the Aquinos, particularly of the late President Noynoy Aquino, who have always been the most vocal critics of the Dutertes, appear to be largely supportive of PBBM and his administration’s policies and programs.

The Senate’s deputy minority leader, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, has often expressed support, even admiration, for PBBM’s policies particularly on issues like the West Philippine Sea, the bloodless drug war, and POGOs. It’s no longer unusual for bloggers/vloggers supportive of the so-called “pinklawans” who were vehemently against the Marcoses to be now defending PBBM against tirades of the Dutertes.

With the apparent shifting of alliances amid the looming 2025 elections, here’s the obvious question: Is it now possible for the Marcoses and Aquinos to join forces and coalesce?

Such question was the theme of last week’s Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel that featured former Senator Bam Aquino who spoke of his new role as chairman of the newly-formed political party Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) and its plans and programs.

When the question was asked of him, Mr. Aquino made it clear that there have been no talks between the administration and his group pertaining to forming a political coalition or any sort of alliance, particularly for next year’s elections.

But he also made it clear that the KNP is supportive of the policies of the Marcos administration that really helps the people. Among such policies is the tough stance against the perennial intrusions of China in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continued harassment of local fisherfolks to the detriment of their livelihood.

Mr. Aquino said that if a formal alliance is pursued, the call to unite must be for the best interests of the Filipino people. “Kailangan malinaw, totoo, at sinsero na ang tulungan ay para sa taumbayan (Efforts to help the people ought to be clear, honest, and sincere),” he said.

He stressed that there are indeed times to set aside politics to really help the people, and there should be no political color attached to some issues like battling inflation and corruption. If a coalition is formed as simply a part of gimmickry, he said, such an alliance is bound to collapse.

Mr. Aquino pointed out that inflation and corruption are just a single issue. He explained that as much as 15 to 20 percent in reduction of prices of basic items like rice can be achieved if corruption is licked, whereby cartels and syndicates are not in cahoots with unscrupulous government officials in controlling prices.

He said he will adhere to the call of various youth groups comprising the KNP for him to run as senator again in the coming polls. He said he prefers to do an independent. If elected, he said he will pursue education reforms like the integration of industry and educational institutions whereby there would be job offers to students even before they graduate from senior high school or college.

He views the youth sector as the real game-changer in politics due to demographics. He said that he foresees the youth to be deeply involved in midterm elections, with the KNP members exhibiting the same electrifying energy shown in the campaign of then Vice President Leni Robredo a few months before the 2022 elections.

Whether a formal alliance between the Marcoses and Aquinos is eventually formed or not, what really matters is that the issues that matter most to the electorate are given utmost consideration. Strategic interests of political forces ought to conform to the interests of the people.

Philippine politics is known for its fluidity, where alliances can shift rapidly, and coalitions can form out of necessity and convenience, rather than shared principles. There are many possibilities in politics indeed, and for the two most prominent families to coalesce is not entirely outside of the realm of possibility. (Email: [email protected])