In a shocking online press conference on Saturday, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte made a startling declaration. She said she had hired an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials if she were to die unexpectedly. Duterte emphasized that her threat was serious and not a joke.
“I’ve given my order, ‘If I die, don’t stop until you’ve killed them,'” she said, referring to Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Presidential Security on High Alert
Following Duterte’s threat, the Philippine government quickly acted. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin referred the “active threat” against President Marcos to the Presidential Security Command (PSC) for immediate action. The PSC responded by strengthening Marcos’ security protocols, stating that they were closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies to detect and defend against any threats.
“We consider this a matter of national security and shall take all necessary measures to ensure the President’s safety,” the PSC said.
Tensions Between Marcos and Duterte
Duterte and Marcos ran together in the 2022 presidential election, winning by landslide majorities on a platform of national unity. However, tensions quickly rose between the two over differing policies, particularly towards Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea.
Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has also accused Marcos, his wife, and allies of corruption and incompetence. The fallout between the two leaders has only intensified with time.
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Duterte’s Threat Linked to Family Conflict
The vice president’s bombshell comments followed a recent incident in which House members allied with Marcos detained Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez. Lopez had been accused of obstructing a congressional inquiry into the misuse of the vice president’s budget. Lopez was transferred to a hospital after falling ill, prompting Duterte to speak out.
Duterte’s anger boiled over during her press conference when she accused Marcos and his allies of incompetence. She directed harsh criticism at Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez, calling them liars and using expletives in her remarks.
Duterte Claims Plot Against Her Life
Duterte also expressed concerns for her own safety. She suggested that there was an unspecified plot to kill her, prompting her to act. “Don’t worry about my security because I’ve talked with somebody,” she said, adding that she had ordered the assassination of Marcos and his allies in the event of her death.
Her public threat is serious. Philippine law criminalizes public statements that could be seen as threats to harm others. Such remarks can result in jail time and fines.
It remains unclear what legal actions, if any, will be taken against Duterte for her shocking declaration. The vice president’s comments have created a tense atmosphere in the government.
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