Mayor Baste Duterte’s Supporters Call for Marcos’ resignation

DAVAO CITY – Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s removal, saying he is unfit to lead because “people do not love him.”

Speaking at Rizal Park during the culmination of the 88th Araw ng Davao on Sunday, Duterte Jr. delivered a fiery speech condemning Marcos Jr.’s alleged role in allowing his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, to be taken into ICC custody.

“Gibiyaan lang ninyo og gikidnap akong amahan! Kinsa may inyong presidente? Si Marcos? Wala na siyay gugma sa katawhan! Wala na siya’y bili!”

(“You just let them kidnap my father! Who is your president? Marcos? The people don’t love him anymore! He is worthless!”)

His remarks came in response to the former president’s surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 12, a day after his arrest at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. Philippine authorities turned him over to The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces crimes against humanity charges related to his administration’s controversial war on drugs.

The young Duterte, expressing rage over his father’s detention, blamed Marcos Jr. for what he called a betrayal of the country’s sovereignty.

“Wala mo kahibalo? Martial Law is synonymous to Marcos. Mao nay ilang ikabilin, ang diktadura. Karun kita naa ta sa diktadura nga nasud!”

(“Don’t you know? Martial Law is synonymous with Marcos. That is their legacy—dictatorship. Now, we are living in a dictatorship!”)

Many supporters of Duterte Sr., who were present at the Araw ng Davao event, echoed calls for Marcos Jr.’s ouster, citing disillusionment with his leadership and perceived weak stance against international interference. Some chanted “Duterte forever!” while others held signs accusing Marcos Jr. of selling out the country.

The event marked a significant escalation in tensions between the Duterte camp and Malacañang, further fueling speculation about a potential political showdown in the coming months.