Death threats, bitter rivalries, and a shocking turn of events mark the political drama unfolding in the Philippines.

When a sitting vice-president openly declares she has hired assassins to eliminate the president and describes gruesome visions involving him, you know the country has plunged deep into a political quagmire. Sara Duterte, the vice-president of the Philippines, has taken melodrama to new heights in a climate already rife with tension.

In a shocking post shared on her Facebook page, Duterte stated, “I have talked to someone, and I said, if I get killed, go kill BBM [President Marcos], [First Lady] Liza Araneta, and [House Speaker] Martin Romualdez. No joke. No joke.” This incendiary language is just the latest facet of a deteriorating relationship with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, which Duterte previously characterized as toxic, even claiming she dreams of “cutting off his head.” In her radical rhetoric, she even threatened to dig up the ashes of Marcos's father from the Heroes' Cemetery and toss them into the sea.

The genesis of this conflict lies in the collapse of a once powerful political alliance. The Marcos and Duterte families, both influential political dynasties in the Philippines, initially joined forces for the 2022 presidential race as a strategic alliance. Sara Duterte, whose father was then-incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte, and Marcos, both children of former presidents, aimed to consolidate support in a race they feared might fracture their voter bases if they ran against each other. As a result, they devised a plan where Marcos would run for president, while Duterte would take the vice-presidential post, leading to a resounding electoral victory for their coalition, branded the “UniTeam.”

However, Duterte quickly found the vice-presidency to be a largely ceremonial role. Her aspirations for higher influence clashed with Marcos, who allocated her the less impactful education portfolio instead of the defense ministry she coveted—an indication of his hesitance to allow Duterte to solidify her power. Subsequently, he has pursued policies that starkly contrast those of his predecessor by standing up to China’s aggression in disputed territories, notably the South China Sea, and rolling back the notorious anti-drug war initiated during Duterte's presidency.

The rift widened further when allies of President Marcos initiated an investigation into how Duterte utilized her confidential funds, leading to her resignation as education secretary in July. As the tension escalated, Duterte's rhetoric grew more aggressive, spawning a new barrage of threats against her former ally.

Sara Duterte is no stranger to controversy; well-known for her tumultuous political style reminiscent of her father, she initially made headlines thirteen years ago for physically assaulting a court official while serving as mayor of Davao City. Both are known for their no-nonsense approach and candidness—traits that appeal to a constituency tired of politicking.

In response to her extreme comments, Marcos chastised Duterte for being “reckless” and “troubling,” prompting the National Bureau of Investigation to summon her for clarification on her threats. In a subsequent attempt to retract her statements, she dismissed them as mere hyperbole, accusing Marcos of deception and leading the country to disaster.

The deteriorating relationship between these two powerful political families underscores the volatility of Filipino politics, characterized by personal rivalries and shifting loyalties where party affiliations are mere conveniences for political survival. With mid-term elections approaching in May, tensions are sure to simmer as both camps gear up to test their popularity.

The stakes are high, with both families eyeing the next presidential election in 2028. Duterte's recent theatrics might offer her a pathway to position herself as an alternative to the current administration, which has suffered due to a faltering economy. However, her dramatic fallout with the president raises questions about her future.

As Filipinos speculate nervously over the next bombshell from Duterte, one thing is clear: the political arena in the Philippines is as unpredictable as ever. What will the “alpha” vice-president say next? Only time will tell, but the drama is definitely far from over.