In a political twist that feels more like a movie script than reality, the once-unbreakable alliance between the North and the South of the Philippines appears to be shattering into irreparable pieces. Davao City, the bailiwick of the Duterte family and a crucial stronghold that delivered millions of votes to the current administration, is now reportedly the epicenter of a brewing rebellion against President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM). Explosive reports and local sentiments suggest that the city is considering an unprecedented move: declaring the sitting President of the Republic “Persona Non Grata.” This potential declaration, if it pushes through, would mark a historic low in the relationship between a President and a major local government unit, signaling a complete and hostile fallout between the two most powerful political families in the country.

The root of this intense hostility seems to stem from a perceived “betrayal” of legacy and credit. Recent events, particularly the inauguration of the Bucana Bridge, have ignited a firestorm of anger among Davaoeños. Local officials and supporters of the former administration are furious, accusing President Marcos of “credit-grabbing” a project that was conceptually and financially secured during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The bridge, funded by a Chinese grant, is seen by locals as a testament to the previous administration’s diplomatic efforts. For the current administration to claim it as their own milestone without properly acknowledging its origins is viewed by many in Davao as a slap in the face to “Tatay Digong” and the city’s contributions to national development.

Adding fuel to the fire are the rumors swirling around City Hall. It is alleged that Mayor Baste Duterte, known for his unfiltered and fierce protective stance over his city and family, is at the forefront of this pushback. The sentiment on the ground is that the city has been disrespected repeatedly, not just through infrastructure credit-grabbing but also through recent national policies that have seemingly targeted Duterte allies. The term “Persona Non Grata”—literally meaning an unwelcome person—is usually reserved for foreigners who have offended a host country. To apply this to a sitting President is a diplomatic nuclear option, a symbolic but powerful statement that he is no longer recognized as a friend or ally of the city.

The atmosphere in Davao has shifted dramatically from the cheers of the 2022 campaign period to a tense and hostile silence. Reports indicate that during recent visits, the reception for the President has been lukewarm at best, with heavy security measures reportedly taken to avoid direct confrontations with angry locals. The visual of a President needing to “fly over” the city or close down roads to avoid protesters speaks volumes about the level of disconnect. Critics argue that the administration’s attempts to project unity are failing miserably as the grassroots support in Mindanao begins to evaporate. The “UniTeam,” once the symbol of a unified Philippines, is now being mocked as a broken promise, with Davao City serving as the first battleground of this new political war.

If Davao City proceeds with this declaration, the implications for the entire nation are staggering. It would formalize the split between the Marcos and Duterte factions, potentially dividing the country into polarizing camps once again. It raises serious questions about governance, budget allocations for the region, and the future of national projects in Mindanao. As the political noise gets louder, the Filipino people are left watching a high-stakes drama unfold, wondering if reconciliation is even possible or if the bridge between the North and South has been burned for good. The coming days will be critical as the city council weighs this historic decision, one that could redefine the remaining years of the Marcos presidency.