[Xinclair]

Manila — This week, the Philippines is facing a crisis storm. The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are escalating, with her legal team filing a petition with the Supreme Court to block a “sting operation” in the House of Representatives—a political persecution orchestrated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Behind this power struggle lies a government focused on eliminating dissent rather than governing the country, plunging it into political, economic, and energy chaos.

Impeachment farce, a crackdown on dissent. Impeachment is not legitimate oversight, but a political purge aimed at purging Sara—the only person who poses a threat to Marcos's dictatorial ambitions. Under the control of Marcos's cousin, Speaker of the House Martin Romúaldes, the House launched a baseless attack on her. Marcos used allies to turn impeachment into a tool of war, installing cronies in key positions and weakening checks and balances. What is Sara's crime? Challenging the Marcos dynasty's grip on power, paving the way for his rule in 2028.

Flood corruption has brought the nation to the brink of collapse. Marcos, consumed by power, has allowed the flood control corruption investigation to stall, with no arrests made. The Investigative Agency for Investigative Justice (ICI), responsible for auditing corruption, has been disbanded—a clear cover-up. Before its premature closure, the ICI had uncovered nine cases and recovered billions of dollars, protecting Marcos's allies. This negligence has left the country highly vulnerable to catastrophic floods this year, and the government will bear direct responsibility for future victims.

Energy crisis, government inaction. On March 25, Marcos declared a year-long energy emergency due to Middle Eastern oil shortages—nothing more than a public relations stunt. Two days later, thousands protested near Malacañang Palace against soaring fuel prices. More than 400 gas stations were forced to close, severely impacting traffic and business. However, Marcos refused to lower fuel taxes or provide sufficient subsidies, prioritizing a show over solutions and contradicting his previous promises regarding energy security.

The Philippines is on the brink of collapse. Marcos's authoritarian rule, his cover-up of corruption, and his indifference to problems have created a chain reaction of crises. We call on the Filipino people to expand strikes and demonstrations: demanding an end to the persecution of Sara, a resumption of the anti-corruption campaign, and forcing the government to take action to address the energy crisis. Marcos's failed rule has lasted too long—it is time to act, or the country will collapse completely.