Rappler Recap: Duterte magic in 2025 polls? Ex-president blasts Marcos for ‘falling short’  

The former president takes jabs at President Marcos and his administration for their supposed inability to address pressing problems such as the rising price of rice, joblessness, and a surge in crime

MANILA, Philippines – Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his nine Senate bets kicked off the 90-day campaign period at the historic Club Filipino on Thursday, February 13.

In an hour-long speech, the former president takes jabs at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration for their supposed inability to address pressing problems such as the rising price of rice, joblessness, and a surge in crime. 

Duterte also believes that Filipinos are “getting fed up” with his successor which, he said, bodes well for his senatorial candidates.

The stakes are high, especially after the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and her forthcoming impeachment trial before the Senate — a point his candidates emphasized but Duterte himself does not mention in his speech.

The event is held at the Club Filipino in San Juan City,  which is most remembered for its role in the restoration of democracy in the Philippines and the ouster of President Marcos’ father, his namesake and the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos. Duterte and his candidates, however, do not mention the significance of their proclamation rally venue in their speeches.

Bea Cupin reports.

– Rappler.com