Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte accused the Marcos administration of presiding over what he described as an “undeclared martial law,” alleging that dissent and political opposition are increasingly being suppressed.
“You know tama si Mike [Defensor], this is not even a silent martial law, it is martial law without declaring it formally,” Duterte said during the launch of the Rage Coalition para sa Mindanao.
The remarks came amid worsening tensions between the Marcos and Duterte camps following the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and developments involving the International Criminal Court.
Duterte claimed that critics and opposition figures are allegedly being pressured under the current political climate.
His sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, has repeatedly accused the administration of using state institutions and government resources to target political opponents and reshape the country’s political landscape.
The Davao mayor also echoed concerns raised by the Vice President regarding proposals for constitutional reform under the Marcos administration.
The political conflict intensified after Senator Alan Peter Cayetano replaced Senate President Tito Sotto on May 11, placing a Duterte ally at the helm of the Senate just as the chamber prepares for the Vice President’s impeachment proceedings.
Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Duterte remains detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague over crimes against humanity charges linked to his anti-drug campaign.
Mayor Duterte also dismissed concerns over efforts to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief and a key figure in Duterte’s war on drugs.
“Gusto na naman nila kunin si Bato, ipadala doon sa ICC. Nalungkot ako at the same time medyo masaya rin kasi may kasama na yung tatay ko doon if ever that will happen,” he said.
[Translation: They want to take Bato again and send him to the ICC. I’m sad, but at the same time somewhat happy because my father would have company there if that happens.]
The National Bureau of Investigation earlier described Dela Rosa as “armed and dangerous” as authorities continue efforts to enforce the ICC arrest warrant against him.
Mayor Duterte also launched a direct attack against the Marcos administration’s governance record.
“Anong achievement nito? Binalik yung kriminalidad, binalik yung kurapsyon,” he said.
[Translation: What achievements does this administration have? It brought back criminality and corruption.]
He ended his speech by rallying support for Vice President Sara Duterte, who earlier announced plans to run for president in 2028.
