January: a jubilant mob of supporters learned that his replacement was a drug addict. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the man who took his position, retaliated sharply, claiming the outgoing leader must have made the remark while high on opioids.
That was the clearest indication of a fissure in the coalition that propelled Mr. Marcos to an unprecedented victory in 2022. Sara Duterte, the daughter of the former president, is his ally.
Analysts had long anticipated a breakup between the two most influential political dynasties in the Philippines. With public outbursts and rising divisions over political goals, the chance only grew.
However, since Mr. Marcos and Ms. Duterte positioned themselves as the “UniTeam” to voters, dissolving their partnership may not be an option.
