The fragile peace that has held the Philippine political ruling coalition together appears to have shattered completely, with one of the most prominent legal minds and vocal defenders of the previous administration allegedly turning his guns on the current leadership. Salvador Panelo, the former Chief Legal Counsel and spokesperson known for his articulate and often combative defense of the Duterte presidency, has reportedly made a series of statements that political analysts are classifying as a major “reversal” or bumaliktad moment. This development has sent tremors through Malacañang Palace, as it signals that the gloves are finally coming off between the factions that once promised a united front for the country. The atmosphere in political circles is thick with tension, as observers interpret Panelo’s pivot not just as a personal grievance, but as a strategic move that could redefine the alliances heading into the next electoral cycle.

For months, there have been whispers of discontent brewing beneath the surface of the “UniTeam,” but Panelo’s recent pronouncements have brought these conflicts into the harsh light of day. Known for his unwavering loyalty to former President Rodrigo Duterte, Panelo’s apparent criticism of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) is being viewed as a proxy war. The issues raised likely touch upon sensitive nerves, such as the government’s handling of international investigations, foreign policy shifts, and the perceived marginalization of Duterte allies. When a figure like Panelo, who is intimately familiar with the legal and political maneuverings of the elite, begins to publicly question or attack the sitting President, it acts as a signal to the base that the alliance is no longer binding. It validates the frustrations of supporters who feel that the current administration has strayed too far from the policies of its predecessor.

The “shock” factor of this development lies in the swiftness of the change. Not too long ago, Panelo was seen as a bridge, or at least a neutral party, within the coalition. However, his latest rhetoric suggests a burning of bridges. Critics of the current administration are seizing on his words as proof of incompetence or betrayal of campaign promises, while loyalists to the President are scrambling to downplay the significance of the rift. The term “Yare” (In trouble) is circulating online, encapsulating the fear that without the support of the Duterte machinery—voiced through attack dogs like Panelo—the current administration may find itself politically isolated and vulnerable to destabilization efforts.

Furthermore, the implications of Panelo’s “turn” extend beyond mere soundbites; they strike at the heart of the administration’s legitimacy and stability. If the legal architect of the previous regime is now questioning the actions of the current one, it opens a Pandora’s box of legal and constitutional challenges. It emboldens other silent critics within the government to speak out, potentially leading to a cascade of defections. The narrative is shifting from “continuity” to “conflict,” and the public is left watching a high-stakes game of political survival where yesterday’s friends are today’s fiercest accusers.

As the story continues to unfold, the question remains: How will President Marcos respond to this challenge from within his own extended political family? The strategy of silence may no longer be effective against a critic as vocal and media-savvy as Panelo. This episode serves as a stark reminder that in the volatile world of Philippine politics, loyalty is often temporary, and the strongest alliances can be undone by the shifting winds of power and interest. The “UniTeam” era seems to be officially closing, replaced by a chaotic scramble for dominance where every statement is a weapon and every politician is looking out for themselves.