The political landscape of the Philippines was rocked on May 13, 2026, as the simmering conflict between the Marcos and Duterte camps exploded into a dramatic Senate showdown. The event, which unfolded in real-time, left many observers bewildered, while partisans on both sides clung to their narratives.
Chaos in the Senate
Images of Senator Bato dela Rosa, a former police chief, running and stumbling through Senate hallways, combined with the sound of gunshots and a dramatic declaration from newly installed Senate President Allan Peter Cayetano that "We are attacked!" created a scene unprecedented in the 109-year history of the Senate. The confusion was palpable, but for those closely watching the national stage since the breakup of the Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte political team in June 2024, the events were a predictable escalation of a full-blown political war.
The Coup and Its Aftermath
The immediate trigger was the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in the Senate, following the House of Representatives' approval of articles of impeachment alleging corruption and unexplained wealth. In a bold move, the Duterte camp orchestrated a coup to wrest control of the Senate from the majority, ousting Tito Sotto as Senate president and installing Cayetano. The move was designed to protect Senator dela Rosa, who was facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his role in the Duterte administration's war on drugs.
After the coup, dela Rosa's legal troubles became a central issue. The new majority shielded him while he was in the Senate building, then facilitated his escape to a safe haven, allowing him to remain an absentee senator. This transformation from fugitive to protected insider, and back to fugitive, highlighted the lengths to which the Duterte camp would go to preserve its power.
Partisan Narratives and Public Confusion
The event deepened the divide between supporters of President Marcos and Vice President Duterte. Followers of the Duterte camp view the impeachment as a "deliberately evil plot" to bar Sara from the 2028 presidential race, while Marcos loyalists see the Duterte countermoves as an attempt to derail constitutional accountability. The conflicting narratives have muddled facts and distorted issues, leaving many Filipinos unsure of what to believe.
Despite the availability of impartial information and analysis, partisans on both sides remain entrenched in their beliefs, reinforcing the chaos that now grips the nation's political psyche. As the war between the two camps continues, the Senate fracas stands as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the country's leadership.
