The Marcos-Duterte Online Feud: A Sign of Deepening Political Rifts in the Philippines
In a dramatic shift from their 2022 alliance, the relationship between the Marcos and Duterte political clans in the Philippines has soured, sparking concerns over potential civil unrest. This deterioration is vividly mirrored in the online world, where supporters and trolls play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and political narratives. The Unraveling of […]
In a dramatic shift from their 2022 alliance, the relationship between the Marcos and Duterte political clans in the Philippines has soured, sparking concerns over potential civil unrest. This deterioration is vividly mirrored in the online world, where supporters and trolls play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and political narratives.
The Unraveling of a Political Alliance
- Initial Unity: In 2022, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Marcos Jnr) and Sara Duterte, daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, formed a 'uniteam' for the presidential election, with Marcos running for president and Sara for vice-president.
- Tensions Surface: Post-election, the alliance crumbled. Sara Duterte's requests for the defense secretary role and a substantial "confidential" fund were only partially met, leading to public insults and accusations from both sides.
The Rise of Online Trolling in Philippine Politics
- A New Era of Political Warfare: Rodrigo Duterte's 2016 presidential campaign marked the introduction of online trolls in the Philippines, a strategy that has since become entrenched in the political landscape.
- Paid and Organized: Online trolls are not spontaneous but are organized, paid, and directed by political actors, significantly influencing public discourse.
The Role of Social Media and Disinformation
- Disinformation as a Political Tool: According to Rossine Fallorina of Sigla Action Research Centre, disinformation and influence operations have become deeply embedded in Philippine political campaigns.
- The Influence of Online Trolls: These online personalities, initially supporting Marcos Jnr, have largely shifted their allegiance to Duterte, driven by monetary incentives and lack of loyalty.
Current State of the Online Political Battlefield
- Pro-Marcos Trolls on the Defensive: Instead of directly engaging with Duterte supporters, pro-Marcos trolls focus on positive messaging and responding to mainstream media reports.
- No End in Sight: The online feud shows no signs of abating, as many influencers find financial benefit in perpetuating the conflict.
Implications and Concerns
The ongoing online battle between supporters of the Marcos and Duterte clans is more than just digital noise. It reflects deeper political divisions and the growing use of social media as a battleground for political influence. This situation raises concerns about the potential escalation into real-world conflicts, as insults and accusations fly freely in the virtual world.
As The Asian Tribune team delves into this complex web of political feuding and digital warfare, it becomes clear that the future of Philippine politics is increasingly being shaped in the realm of social media, where truths, half-truths, and outright falsehoods compete for the public's attention.
Stay informed on the latest developments in Philippine politics and the role of social media in shaping public opinion with The Asian Tribune.
Article by The Asian Tribune's dedicated team, committed to providing insightful and verified news.
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