Sara Duterte assassination threat/ Philippine political crisis/ Marcos security threat/ Sara Duterte Marcos feud/ Philippine vice president controversy/ MANILA, Philippines/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte publicly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the House Speaker assassinated if she were killed. The Presidential Security Command has intensified Marcos’ protection, labeling the threat a national security issue. This marks the latest escalation in the growing rift between Duterte and Marcos, who were former political allies.
Sara Duterte’s Assassination Threat: Quick Looks
- Threat Details: Duterte claimed she has contracted someone to kill Marcos and allies if she is assassinated.
- Immediate Response: Presidential Security Command has bolstered Marcos’ security and begun investigations.
- Political Fallout: Duterte’s remarks stem from growing tensions over corruption accusations and political feuds.
- Legal Implications: Such threats are punishable under Philippine law with potential fines and imprisonment.
- Historical Context: Duterte is the daughter of controversial former President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his violent anti-drug campaign.
Philippine VP Duterte Issues Assassination Threat Against President Marcos
Deep Look
The political landscape in the Philippines plunged into turmoil Saturday as Vice President Sara Duterte made an incendiary public threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte’s shocking comments came during an online news conference where she expressed outrage over what she perceived as persecution of her allies.
The Threat and Immediate Response
Duterte, visibly agitated, accused Marcos of being a liar and incompetent leader. She declared that if she were assassinated, she had arranged for someone to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Romualdez. “No joke, no joke,” she said, reiterating the seriousness of her statement.
Presidential Security Command immediately increased security measures for the president and his family, calling the threat a “national security issue.” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin referred the matter to the elite presidential guards for further action.
Background of Political Feud
Duterte and Marcos were once allies, running together on a unity platform in the 2022 elections, where both won by a landslide. However, their partnership quickly unraveled due to ideological differences, particularly on foreign policy and corruption allegations. Duterte resigned from her roles in Marcos’ Cabinet earlier this year, intensifying tensions.
Her latest outburst followed the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, by House members allied with Romualdez and Marcos. Lopez was accused of obstructing an investigation into Duterte’s possible misuse of funds during her tenure as vice president and education secretary.
Lopez’s hospitalization and the threat of her incarceration prompted Duterte’s fiery response.
Legal and Political Repercussions
Duterte’s public threat could have significant legal consequences under the Philippine penal code, which criminalizes threats of harm against individuals and their families. If prosecuted, she could face imprisonment and fines.
The remarks also underscore the deepening political divisions in the Philippines, prompting military leaders to issue calls for calm. Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner assured the public that the military remains nonpartisan and committed to democratic stability.
Sara Duterte: A Controversial Figure
The vice president is no stranger to controversy. As the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, she has inherited his combative political style. Her father’s presidency was marked by a violent anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings and sparked international condemnation.
Rodrigo Duterte admitted during a Senate inquiry that he maintained a “death squad” as mayor of Davao City, a revelation that has drawn scrutiny from the International Criminal Court.
Sara Duterte’s threat against Marcos further cements her reputation as a divisive and polarizing leader, with significant implications for Philippine politics.
