This week has thrown the political landscape into turmoil, exposing cracks in what was once portrayed as a unified administration. From the sudden sidelining of a top official to explosive financial allegations, and even whispers questioning the First Family’s lineage, Manila’s corridors of power are under intense scrutiny. The public spectacle has unfolded like a real-life political thriller—complete with betrayal, suspicion, and billion-peso intrigue.
The “Resignation” That Wasn’t
The drama began with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin being reported as having stepped down for reasons of “delicadeza” (propriety). Yet Bersamin himself quickly dismissed the narrative. “I did not resign,” he asserted, revealing that he only signed a document acknowledging his replacement after the decision had already been made public.
A man with decades of government service—from the judiciary to the GSIS and eventually the Executive Secretary post—Bersamin claimed he learned of his ousting through intermediaries and media reports rather than a direct conversation with the President. “The messaging should have been clear… they should have consulted me first,” he said, highlighting what critics now call a ruthless internal purge.
Observers are now questioning the administration’s loyalty and professional courtesy. If the highest-ranking cabinet member can be quietly removed, what message does that send to other officials? The term “laglagan” (dropping/betrayal) has gone viral, reflecting fears of a house-cleaning designed to protect the administration amid scandal.
The Billion-Peso Kickback Allegations
Adding fuel to the fire, Senate investigations led by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson have brought forward shocking claims of corruption involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). According to whistleblowers, billions of pesos were allegedly earmarked for kickbacks, with some estimates reaching Php 52 billion.
Reports describe a sophisticated operation: armored vans loaded with cash parked in luxury hotel basements, waiting for transfer to private vehicles. One transaction reportedly involved nearly Php 2 billion, temporarily stalled due to prior legal actions involving former President Duterte.
While the exposés highlight the involvement of undersecretaries and delivery operatives, analysts note that the highest officials, including the President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, appear insulated. Critics question whether such a large-scale scheme could occur without at least tacit approval from the top.
Sandro Marcos and the Bloodline Debate
As corruption and political purges dominate headlines, another controversy has resurfaced online: doubts about Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos’ lineage. Social media users have compared photos of Sandro with his father, President Bongbong Marcos, and late grandfather, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., sparking claims that Sandro lacks the family’s defining features.
These discussions, though unverified, are being leveraged politically. Questions about Sandro’s legitimacy could potentially undermine the Marcos family’s projected continuity and weaken the perception of a “dynastic legacy.”
Scrutiny on the President
Underlying all these scandals is growing skepticism about President Marcos’ leadership. Analysts and commentators are interpreting his gestures and behavior—like nervous laughter during difficult questions—as signs of dishonesty or disconnect. Critics argue that the administration’s handling of Bersamin’s removal and the kickback allegations reflects erratic and self-serving decision-making.
Concerns extend to allegations of mismanagement and perceived negligence, with online commentators painting a portrait of a leader more concerned with survival than governance.
A Fracturing Administration
Taken together, the Bersamin episode, the alleged kickbacks, and the family controversies suggest an administration under strain. Once-unified factions now appear divided, loyalties are questioned, and public trust is wavering.
For Filipinos, the events signal a government struggling to maintain control while facing scrutiny from multiple fronts. As investigations continue and more whistleblowers may emerge, the question looms: Can the President distance himself from the scandals, or will the trail of allegations reach the Palace itself? And will the Marcos political dynasty withstand the scrutiny brought by both wealth and bloodline disputes?
The drama is far from over, and the next chapters promise to be just as explosive.