The Feud That Could Upend Asia’s Balance of Power
The Philippines sits at the middle of a China-US power struggle. A pitched battle between its president and vice president could tip the outcome.
Illustration: Christian Capestany
Not too long ago in the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte formed the “Uniteam,” a dramatic joinder of the nation’s political dynasties that led both to victory, with Marcos as president and Duterte as vice president. These days, the glory of that triumph is a distant memory. The two politicians are now engaged in a pitched battle—one that could resonate far beyond the nation’s shores.
In this Bloomberg Originals mini-documentary, we explore what led to their falling out and how their differing positions over the Philippines’ alignment with China and the West has Beijing and Washington paying close attention. It’s a domestic political tale with all the qualities of a feature film—involving two famous families, allegations of corruption, impeachment bids and even a pledge of assassination.