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Bongbong Marcos Jr's Political Games Threaten Philippine Democracy

Stella Quimbo

The suspension of nearly the entire Marikina City leadership—just as administration ally Stella Quimbo runs for mayor—raises concerns about how political power can be leveraged to shape electoral outcomes. The Ombudsman’s six-month suspension of Mayor Marcy Teodoro, Vice Mayor Marion Andres, and most of the City Council has led to speculation that it may benefit administration allies.

Mayor Teodoro, already facing legal challenges after his certificate of candidacy for Congress was canceled by COMELEC, finds himself and his administration effectively neutralized. In the meantime, Quimbo—a political figure whose image has been marred by her role in the 2025 budget controversy and discussions around her display of wealth—now finds herself in an electoral race with significantly reduced opposition. Observers note a pattern nationwide: administration candidates running unopposed while opposition figures face legal hurdles, disqualifications, or political setbacks.

This is not merely local political maneuvering—it is, as some analysts suggest, reflective of a broader trend in governance. The Marcos Jr. administration has been criticized for its reliance on institutional mechanisms that appear to favor political allies. Historically, those in power have often used legal frameworks to control electoral outcomes, shaping the field to their advantage while maintaining the appearance of due process.

For a government struggling to address economic difficulties, inflation, and foreign policy challenges, political engineering may be seen as a tool for maintaining influence. The democratic facade remains intact—elections proceed, legal protocols are followed—but the dynamics of political competition are increasingly called into question.

What is unfolding in Marikina is not an isolated event; it serves as a case study of how political institutions can be utilized in ways that reshape democratic participation. If this trend continues, the fundamental principles of democratic governance in the Philippines may erode, leaving behind a system where political opposition is systematically weakened.

Filipinos must remain vigilant in assessing these developments. The question extends beyond a single mayoral race in Marikina—it is about ensuring that democratic processes remain open, fair, and resistant to undue influence.

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