Marcos and Duterte supporters rally in Philippines as family rift deepens

Supporters of Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr attend the kick-off rally for the New Philippines movement at Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 28, 2024. - AFP

MANILA: Supporters of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte gathered for rival rallies on Sunday, as a battle over the country's constitution highlighted a deepening rift between the powerful clans.

In the nearly two years since Marcos was swept to victory with the help of his vice presidential running mate Sara Duterte -- the former president's daughter -- their so-called "Unity Team" has fractured.