Get the popcorn out coz the word war ain't over. 

A political analyst believes the revived word war between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte is just part of the campaign for the 2025 midterm elections.

In his speech during the inaugural campaign rally of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, President Marcos boasted that none of his candidates have hands “bloodied by tokhang” or have “clapped their hands for China”.  Instead, he highlighted his candidates’ track record for public service as experienced lawmakers, local government officials, and members of his Cabinet.

“Wala sa kanila ang may bahid ng dugo dahil sa tokhang. Wala sa kanila ang kasabwat sa pagbulsa ng sako-sakong pera, pinagsamantalahan ang krisis ng pandemya, pinabayaan ang ating mga kababayan na magkasakit at mamatay.'

'Wala sa kanila ang mga pumapalakpak sa Tsina at natutuwa pa kapag tayo ay binobomba ng tubig, tinatamaan ang ating mga Coast Guard, hinaharang ang ating mga mangingisda, ninanakaw ang kanilang huli, at bukod pa roon ay inaagaw pa ang mga isla natin para maging bahagi ng kanilang bansa,” he said.

Marcos Jr. takes jabs at Duterte in pitch for admin senatorial bets

In response, PDP Laban candidates defended their own track records while former President Duterte repeated his accusations that Marcos Jr. is a drug user. 

PDP-Laban Senate candidates hit back at Marcos Jr.

Speaking to TeleRadyo Serbisyo, Atty. Edward Chico said it was the first time that a sitting president has been active in promoting his chosen candidates in a midterm election, noting that Duterte and former president Benigno Aquino III did not do the same during their presidencies.

He said Marcos Jr seemed triggered to speak out, a far cry from his usual persona of remaining quiet and unresponsive. “Tirahin ang dapat tirahin and in the process supporting his candidates,” he said.

He said Duterte’s response was expected since the former president will not take the remarks sitting down.

Chico said that while the word war between Marcos and Duterte is to be expected, he does not see it going past the campaign.

He noted that under the law, there are so many restrictions imposed by the Omnibus Election Code on candidates.

“At the end of the day, they have to find creative ways to sell their candidate,” he said.

“The vigorous campaign of the President, magtutuloy pa ‘yan. Masarap pa bumili ng popcorn.”

He also noted that getting his candidates elected could be important for the President with the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

He added that Filipinos usually vote based  on personality and not principles or qualifications, which is why familiar faces always win in the elections.