BBM rises, Sara slips, Du30 falters—according to the stars
In 2016, when astrologer Resti Santiago reviewed the birth chart of then-Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, he saw nothing particularly striking. But when Marcos clinched the presidency in 2022, Santiago returned to the chart using the lens of Hellenistic astrology—the earliest form of Western astrology focusing on fate—and saw something he had missed.
The key, he said, was doryphory, a classical formation in which planets closely flanking the Sun act as protective “spear-bearers,” symbolizing support, legacy, and political momentum. In Marcos’ chart, Santiago noted a strong Pluto and a Mercury rising before the Sun—which meant that while Marcos may seem unremarkable on his own, he was backed by planets linked to power and strategy.
“We can appreciate Marcos’ value if we compare it to the previous administration,” Santiago said, implying that Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership style made Marcos seem like a more acceptable choice by comparison.
War and diplomacy
In astrology, malefic planets—especially Mars and Saturn—are traditionally seen as forces that bring conflict, severity, and karmic trials. Their dominance in Duterte’s chart, and at the time of his 2016 inauguration, mirrored the defining themes of his presidency. Mars, the planet of war and aggression, ruled over his Sun (birth sign) in Aries and was stationary in Scorpio when he took office—reflecting the brutal, uncompromising nature of his antidrug campaign, which left thousands dead and drew global condemnation.
Saturn, associated with authoritarianism, control, and fear, was retrograde in Capricorn, aligning with Mars in Scorpio—reinforcing a leadership style focused on punishment. While these planets boosted Duterte’s domestic strongman image, they also narrowed his broader vision. Harsh influences like these, astrologers say, often weaken long-term planning and diplomacy. The result: a presidency marked by a combative stance at home and a foreign policy that often appeared incoherent or absent.
Santiago points to Marcos’ strong Venus in Libra as a redeeming influence in his chart. Venus rules Libra, a sign tied to diplomacy, civility, and balance—traits that soften the sharp edges left by the previous administration. “Unlike Duterte’s Mars, which was aggressive and destructive, Marcos’ Venus is more constructive—especially when it comes to rebuilding relationships with allies,” he says.
But Venus in Libra also has its downsides. It can be indecisive, overly eager to please, and slow to act—traits that feed into the public perception of Marcos as too cautious or noncommittal. Still, Santiago sees his Venus, along with Jupiter also in Libra, as a healing force in contrast to Duterte’s confrontational energy.
“Another keyword for Marcos is that he’s a tactician—a strategist—with four planets in Virgo,” Santiago says. In astrology, Virgo is known for being analytical and detail-oriented, tied to careful planning and behind-the-scenes control. Marcos may seem soft or laid-back, Santiago says, but that’s misleading. “He only appears Venusian, but he takes calculated risks,” pointing to the surprise call for cabinet resignations as an example. “It wasn’t random—he just wanted certain individuals out.”
Astrologers speculate that both Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte may share the same Moon sign—Aries, the sign of assertion—which Santiago says played a key role in their alliance and rise to power in 2022. In astrology, the Moon reflects emotional temperament and public connection. “Aries was the luckiest sign that year, with Jupiter moving into it around the election period,” Santiago says.
Inevitable tension
Marcos’ Moon falls at the last degree of Aries, while Sara’s is at the first—an alignment Santiago interprets as symbolically spanning the country. “It’s like covering both ends of the Philippines,” he explains, with Marcos representing the north and Sara the south—helping each other secure broad regional support. But Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of conflict, and Santiago believes tension was inevitable. Their alliance may have worked during the campaign, but with Mars involved, lasting harmony wasn’t guaranteed.
Santiago adds that sudden political upsets are likely, with several eclipses set to hit both the country’s and Marcos’ charts in the coming months. In astrology, eclipses are seen as turning points—times of disruption, revelation, and change. For Marcos, a series of eclipses between 2025 and mid-2026 falls near his Sun sign in Virgo, signaling heightened scrutiny and potential political turbulence.
The March 2025 eclipse hit the communication area of his chart, and it showed—messaging blunders and PR missteps drew criticism and exposed cracks in his administration. The September eclipse may further strain his image or force a leadership shift. The most intense eclipse comes in early 2026, raising the risk of policy reversals, administrative shake-ups, or rising public pressure.
These events aren’t necessarily fatal to his presidency. Santiago says eclipses can weaken support or invite challengers, but they also bring opportunities to reset. How Marcos responds will shape the outcome.
Pressure
Sara enters her own rough patch—this time marked by Saturn, the planet of accountability. Santiago says the impeachment trial has been delayed by a cosmic standoff: In June, Jupiter (justice) is in a tense square with Saturn (delays). A square, in astrology, means two planets are at odds—causing friction and blockage. That clash, peaking mid-month, has stalled momentum.
But change may come after June 25, when a New Moon in Cancer offers a reset, and Jupiter—now in Cancer, a more nurturing sign—can move forward. Santiago finds the timing telling: On June 10, Jupiter left Gemini, a sign where it’s weak, and the case advanced briefly before hitting another block.
Meanwhile, Saturn is creeping toward key planets in Sara’s birth chart, including her Moon in Aries. Sara’s Jupiter and Venus in Cancer have given her emotional intelligence, mass appeal, and a nurturing but strategic style. But with Saturn conflicting them, those strengths are being challenged by accountability and pressure, signaling a rough political and personal period ahead. “Saturn brings consequences,” he says.
The outcome of Sara’s impeachment can’t be predicted yet—there’s no exact start date or time, which is essential for casting the trial’s astrological chart.
Santiago also points to Sen. Francis Escudero, who was sworn in as Senate President on June 9—during a “void of course” Moon. This is a time when the Moon isn’t making any major moves before changing signs. Astrologers consider it an aimless period, when actions lack direction or staying power. “It suggests Escudero may not fully function in the role, or he could eventually be replaced,” Santiago says.
A major shift in Duterte’s fate began with the March 29 solar eclipse in Aries—symbolizing ego—just a day after his birthday. Santiago sees it as a turning point that weakened his luck and grip on power. With Saturn, the planet of responsibility, now also in Aries, he says Duterte is headed for a reckoning with forces beyond his control.
Check out Santiago’s Facebook page @FilipinoAstrologer.
