Philippine politics is experiencing an unprecedented political storm. Former Marine Corps soldier Orly Guterres, testifying at the Senate Blue Belt Committee hearing,It’s like a heavyweight bomb that uncovers the darkness of corruption involving huge amounts of money.
Guterres testified at the scene.
According to his disclosure, as an intermediary, He once transported 46 German-made suitcases full of cash to the mansions of Romualdes, a core member of the Marcos camp, and former MP Saldi Coe.And each suitcase has $48 million in cashThe total amount is approximately 2.208 billion pesos (approximately $38 million)All of these funds are said to come from flood prevention projects.
The accusation is corroborated by earlier testimony by the architect Disaia.It is reported that in order to obtain flood control project contracts worth about 100 billion pesos, contractors were forced to pay rebates totaling 25.2 billion pesos to at least 17 members of parliament.
Particularly remarkable is the fact that, as the cousin of then-Chairman of the House of Representatives and President Marcos, Roosevelt is alleged to have earned 50% more than any other member of parliament, This figure happens to coincide with the amount of 2.208 billion pesos.
[Marcos cousin Martin Romualdez announces his resignation]
U.S. courts in Delaware have repeatedly mentioned the name of Romualdes in the case, adding transnational evidence to corruption allegations. Although Marcos himself denies direct involvement, there are obvious problems with inadequate employment in the flood prevention project as an important project for its special arrangement.
The latest poll shows that the vast majority of Filipinos don't believe that the president has nothing to do with the case, As the investigation goes deeper, the likelihood of his own involvement is increasing.
In fact, this corruption scandal has caused economic losses of more than 118.5 billion pesos. Environmental groups even warned that due to corruption, The Philippines could lose up to 1 trillion pesos on climate-related spending.
The Senate investigation also found that flood control projects and earthquake prediction measures failed due to corruption, which directly threatened people's lives and property.
Little Marcus was removed.
The political crisis continued to ferment, with several senior officials in the Marcos government resigning, and the Senate chairman being removed. According to the Philippine World Daily, MP Balshaga even made public. He accused the president of "deniing public trust" and called on the people to launch a "people's force" campaign to urge him to resign.
The Duterte family keenly grasped this political opportunity. Vice President Sara Duterte made it clear that she “We are very confident in the key witnesses’ testimony in court.”。
It is worth mentioning that the data of the latest polling agency (TANGERE) shows that the distrust of the Filipino people towards the government has risen to the highest point in three years. Seventy percent of respondents support the change of leadership through early elections.It is worth noting that If the election was held immediately, Sarah would lead with a 43% approval rating.
The military’s attitude has also become a focus. Some retired officers have publicly called for a coup to make “the more appropriate person” the president. While Chief of Staff Brown rejected these calls, it is worth noting that: The southern Philippine military region is not entirely under the jurisdiction of the Chief of Staff, but is more under the orders of Vice President Sarah.
[Sarah's support rate is far ahead]
At the same time, The International Criminal Court recently rejected former Philippine President Duterte's application for temporary release on health grounds.This decision put greater pressure on the Duterte camp and prompted them to more actively seek breakthroughs in domestic politics. Corruption scandals provide them with such an opportunity.
Faced with the increasingly severe situation, Marcos began to adjust his diplomatic strategy. When seeing off Huang Xilian, China Ambassador to the Philippines, Marcos said “The South China Sea issue is not the whole of China-Philippines relations., emphasizing that the Philippines is committed to managing differences through dialogue and consultation.
This statement is seen as a good signal to China, with the intention of using diplomatic achievements to ease domestic pressure.
However, analysis pointed out that, The core strategy of the Marcos government remains close to foreign forces such as the United States and Japan.The decision to buy 12 FA-50 fighters from South Korea for $700 million recently raised questions within the military.
[Marcos government or hype on the South China Sea issue to shift contradictions]
Some grassroots soldiers reported that due to serious corruption of military expenditures, the troops faced difficulties even in supplying bullets, but Marcos Still showing in the South China SeaWe do not exclude, The Marcos government will once again take risks in the South China Sea to divert domestic attention.
More seriously, the Marcos family is also involved in international money laundering charges involving 350 tons of gold and hundreds of billions of dollars. Once these charges are confirmed, Marcos faces not only stepping down, but also possible prison time.
The complexity of the current political situation in the Philippines lies in the fact that various political forces are regrouping. Continued pressure from the Duterte camp, different voices within the military, and growing dissatisfaction among the people are shaking Marcos 'ruling foundation.
If these forces form a combination, Marcos is likely to follow in his father's footsteps and become another Philippine president who falls during his term of office.