MANILA: Thousands of supporters of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte gathered for rival rallies on Sunday.
In the nearly two years since Marcos swept to victory with the help of his vice presidential running mate Sara Duterte — the former president's daughter — their so-called "Unity Team" has fractured.
As thousands of flag-waving people massed at a seaside park in the capital Manila hours ahead of an early evening rally headlined by the president, his predecessor's youngest son Sebastian Duterte was openly daring Marcos to step down.
"If you don't show love and aspiration for the country, better resign," Sebastian told supporters in his family's southern stronghold of Davao, blaming Marcos for the drug and communist insurgency problems in the region.
In the latest rift, Marcos has backed a campaign for the 1987 constitution, introduced after his dictator father and namesake was ousted from power, to be changed to allow in more foreign investment — something the Dutertes have publicly opposed.
Marcos has said the constitution's political provisions, including term limits for public officials, should be tackled later.
Marcos launched his "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines) campaign at the Manila rally, but did not mention the constitution in his speech.
"We face a complex and changing world that calls for a united vision that would make our nation strong, our economy sound and our children's future secure," Marcos told the crowd.
The Duterte patriarch appeared at the Davao rally organised by opponents of constitutional change.
An ever-shifting coalition of powerful families has long ruled the Philippines, holding onto power for generations.
Left-wing political party Akbayan branded the rallies as a "dynastic war among ruling elites" that did not serve the interests of regular Filipinos.
Police estimated 400,000 people were at the Manila rally, many of them government workers, while more than 40,000 were at the Davao event.
In Manila, some members of the crowd said that they believed in Marcos, although they said they knew next to nothing about the constitution controversy.
"If he runs again why not, for as long as he is doing a good job for the country," Manila resident Dennis Ardea said.
"The Dutertes belong to the past. We should go with another (leader)," Ardea added. — AFP
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