February 16, 2025 | 9:08am

President Marcos Puts China Front and Center in 2025 Mid-Term Election Campaign

In a significant move on the campaign trail, President Ferdinand Marcos has shifted focus to China, accusing his predecessors of making the Philippines “a province of China” during their administrations. Addressing a rally in Mindanao ahead of the May mid-term elections, Marcos launched a blistering attack on the Duterte government’s policies and its relationship with Beijing.

Marcos Criticizes Duterte’s Drug War and Alleged Pandemic Mismanagement

Without specifically naming Duterte, Marcos criticized the former president’s controversial drug war, which resulted in thousands of deaths. He also alleged improprieties in how the Duterte administration handled the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his primary target remained the faltering relationship with China, a contentious issue that had garnered significant public attention.

Marcos Calls for Resurgence in National Pride

Marcos emphasized that Filipinos had a choice: revert to a past where leaders were content to have the Philippines under Beijing’s influence or elect a government that would stand firm for national sovereignty. “You will choose if we will go back to the time when our leaders wanted the Philippines to be a province of China,” he declared at a rally in Davao del Norte.

He further criticized Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, an issue that has sparked tension between the two countries. “None of (our candidates) are Chinese lackeys who cheered while our Coast Guard was being water-cannoned by big Chinese ships,” he stated, referencing numerous confrontations between Chinese and Philippine naval vessels.

History of Chinese Gambling Scams in the Philippines

Marcos also highlighted the historical context of Chinese involvement in the Philippines, specifically the prevalence of offshore gambling scams. “I hope we won’t go back to the past, when our leaders were pimping our country as a gambling center for foreigners,” he said. These sites, often operated by Chinese nationals, were known for rampant fraud, contributing to widespread distrust.

Political Scientist Weighs In

Dennis Coronacion, a political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, observed that discussing foreign policy and China in election campaigns was previously rare. However, public sentiment had shifted, and Marcos was tapping into a growing concern among Filipinos. “If it’s going to be an election issue… I think he can get the support of many Filipinos,” Coronacion stated. Public opinion surveys indicated that Filipinos were strongly opposed to China’s actions.

University of the Philippines Professor Analyzes Marcos’ Strategy

University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco agreed, noting that Marcos was highlighting the stark differences between the current and previous administrations’ stances on China. Clashes in the South China Sea had become a frequent news topic, making it a potent electoral issue. “It should be an election issue given that it’s an issue that has to do with our sovereignty,” Franco explained. She suggested that Marcos was wisely capitalizing on media coverage of these incidents.

Administrative Shift on China

Marcos has been portrayed as proactive in challenging Chinese territorial claims, a significant change from Duterte’s more conciliatory approach under his presidency. This stance resonates with many Filipinos who are increasingly wary of China’s assertiveness in Southeast Asian waters.

The Central Role of the Duterte-Marcos Clash

The political battle between the Duterte and Marcos factions is central to the 2025 mid-term elections, which will determine the future of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. Sara Duterte, now out of favor with Marcos, is facing a Senate trial on various charges, including misappropriation of funds and corruption, which could disqualify her from public office.

Significance of the Senate Trial

Half of the Senate’s 24 seats are up for grabs in May, a critical factor in the trial’s outcome. The composition of the Senate, a body with significant power in the Philippine government, could influence the judgment against Sara Duterte.

Conclusion

By strategically using China as a political tool, Marcos is attempting to galvanize public support and differentiate his administration from that of his predecessor. Public opinion polls suggest that Filipinos are uniting against perceived Chinese overreach and a loss of national sovereignty.

As the 2025 mid-term elections approach, the contentious relationship between the Philippines and China is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of Filipino politics.

Stay informed on this developing story. Share your thoughts on how the Philippines-China relationship will impact the upcoming elections and the future of Philippine sovereignty in the comments below.