Are these destabilization rumors connected with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to continue its anti-drug investigation in the Philippines and alleged plans to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte? Seems like it.

There may be truth to the fact that the Dutertes may not have a hand in this. And possibly, they are being used by several sinister forces close to a foreign government to create a destabilizing atmosphere here in our country. These destabilization talks come a whole week before the Taiwanese national elections. 

Rumors that prosecutors from the International Criminal Court (ICC) are now in the Philippines and poised to arrest former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his co-accused in a crime against humanity filed before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) remain that–rumors. Some sources reveal that moves to indict the former president are now in the works between now and February.

The rumor mill is also abuzz with the possible arrest of SMNI owner and religious founder Apollo Quiboloy, wanted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for various crimes, including illegal recruitment and child molestation cases.

President Ferdinand Marcos Junior previously denied any effort for the Philippine government to cooperate with the ICC. Some, however, said that the President had changed his position after receiving reports that several pro-China and pro-Duterte supporters were moving against his administration.

Rumors of Mr. Quiboloy’s arrest came about late last year. It is not far-fetched, though, according to some people, for representatives of Quiboloy’s camp to negotiate for his arrest. Political forces may have a use for Quiboloy in future moves against the former dispensation if some pro-Duterte personalities persist on disrupting the present administration in their desire to use the Vice president as their ticket to Malacanan and securing their sinecures in the bureaucracy.

The so-called honeymoon between the Duterte groups and the Marcos junior camps has now passed, says Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel Junior. Such a rift was exposed as early as October when campaigns against Vice President Sara Duterte began. The PDP-Laban is fast losing numbers. Politicians are crossing the border, so to speak, and joining the Partido Federal, the appointed pro-administration political party.

Duterte’s trust and approval ratings had been affected tremendously, so ratings were so low that the possibility of Sara winning the presidency in 2028 is now becoming remote. Pro-Duterte knows their numbers, which explains why many of them are now shifting gears and calling for the resignation of President Marcos Junior. Former president Duterte disagrees with this. For the Dutertes, democracy must be allowed to thrive. Extra-constitutional moves, says former president Duterte, will not help change things in the Philippines.

These sinister forces are using the Dutertes as their foil. The problem is that the people are getting fed up with Sara Duterte, which is reflected in surveys. The old tactics are now becoming so ineffective. Yet, these forces are tempting fate and trying to gauge if Mr. Duterte’s popularity will still work to enable them to re-establish themselves in government. It is now certain that the problem with these forces is Mr. Duterte himself. This is typical of Duterte–he will not give his blessing to these people whose thirst for power and money remains insatiable. 

In his press conference today, the old Duterte showed himself. This is the Duterte whom some civil society members loved. He spoke his mind and articulated his family’s stand despite several shadowy forces edging him to support their self-interested agenda. Truthfully, I pity Mr. Duterte. He should seriously distance himself from these people whose sole aim is to use him for their desire to come back to power. Some people who got close to Mr. Duterte had spotty records as patriots. Most of them have been involved in large-scale corruption. Some have links with drugs and vice syndicates. Mr. Duterte should distance himself and his family from these political has-beens. 

These people need to realize this: this administration will not hesitate to throw the book at them if they persist in their plans. This administration will not even flinch one bit to declare martial law if these forces use or manipulate some members of the security forces to turn against the government. Believe me–this president may be humble and silent, but don’t doubt his resolve to do what needs to be done. Bongbong Marcos has a very strong political will to do what is necessary to protect democracy. 

Besides, our country right now is involved in a silent war with our neighbor and moving against one’s government in this period whereby the very democracy that we so cherish is under threat is, to me, an act not just of rebellion but of sedition.

The people will not support the comeback of these discredited characters in government. Never again. Never!