Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s Explosive Threats Ignite Political Tensions, Prompt Security Measures, and Spark Questions About Legal Consequences and National Stability
Manila, Philippines – In a stunning and controversial public statement, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has openly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated if she is killed. Duterte clarified that the remarks, which sent shockwaves through the political and security establishment, were “not a joke.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin immediately referred the vice president’s comments to the Presidential Security Command (PSC), which heightened security for the president and his family, labeling the incident a “national security issue.”
The PSC announced it is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to mitigate potential threats.
“We are treating this as a serious matter given the vice president’s public admission,” the PSC said in a statement.
“No Joke, No Joke”
Duterte’s explosive remarks came during an emotional online press briefing early Saturday. Responding to questions about her security, she revealed she had instructed an assassin to avenge her death if she were killed.
“I’ve talked to somebody. I said, ‘If I’m killed, you’ll kill BBM, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez. No joke, no joke,’”
she declared, using the president’s initials.
Later, Duterte attempted to soften the blow, claiming her comments were merely an expression of concern for her safety.
“Why would I kill him [President Marcos]? What’s the benefit for me? There is no reason,”
she told reporters.
However, under the Philippine penal code, public threats—even hypothetical ones—may be considered a crime, punishable by imprisonment and fines.
Political Rivalry Boils Over
The tension between Marcos and Duterte has been simmering since their falling-out earlier this year. Despite running on a platform of unity and winning by landslide margins in the May 2022 elections, the president and vice president have clashed over key issues, particularly foreign policy and governance.
Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, resigned from her Cabinet positions in June, citing differences with Marcos and his allies. She has since accused the administration of corruption, incompetence, and targeting her political allies.
Her latest outburst was triggered by the arrest of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, during a congressional inquiry into alleged misuse of her vice-presidential budget. Lopez, who later fell ill and was hospitalized, faced the prospect of detention in a women’s prison.
Military Stands Neutral Amid Crisis
Amid the political chaos, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner assured the public that the Armed Forces of the Philippines remain impartial.
“We call for calm and resolve. Our institution will continue to uphold democracy and civilian authority,”
Brawner said in a statement.
A Legacy of Controversy
Sara Duterte’s remarks evoke memories of her father’s controversial presidency. Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs left thousands dead and is now under investigation by the International Criminal Court for potential crimes against humanity. The former president admitted in a recent Senate inquiry to maintaining a “death squad” during his tenure as Davao City mayor.
As the fallout continues, questions remain over how the government will address the vice president’s incendiary comments. Legal experts suggest Duterte could face charges for making public threats, further deepening the rift in Philippine politics.
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