In an unprecedented move, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly threatened the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his key allies.
During an online press conference, Sara Duterte declared her intent to target President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and other top officials if any harm comes her way, Fox News reported.
This situation marks a severe escalation in the already strained relationship between the vice president and the president, stemming from their disparate views on national policies and governance. Their conflict has created a chasm, potentially destabilizing the nation's political climate.
The vice president made a startling admission during a Saturday press conference streamed online, where she openly accused the president and his associates of corruption and persecution. Amid rising tensions, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin promptly notified the Presidential Security Command, intensifying security measures around President Marcos in response to the threat.
The enhanced safeguarding actions include heightened surveillance and additional security details, reflecting the gravity and immediacy of the threat issued by Duterte. As the atmosphere within the administration grows more acrimonous, concerns about political stability continue to mount.
Earlier, disputes erupted between Duterte and Marcos over China's role in regional policy, particularly concerning the South China Sea, leading to a pronounced fallout. Sara Duterte's tirade included harsh criticisms toward the administration, accentuating her profound disagreement and dissatisfaction with Marcos's handling of these sensitive issues.
This declaration has raised serious legal concerns, as Philippine law strictly prohibits threats against public figures, with violations potentially leading to arrest, criminal charges, and fines. The specific details of Duterte's threat indicate premeditated intent, as she claimed to have arranged for an assassin to act against Marcos and his wife should she be harmed.
Here is Sara Duterte in her words:
I am deadly serious and not joking about my threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. killed if something happens to me first. Don’t worry about my security because I’ve talked with somebody. I said 'if I’m killed, you’ll kill BBM, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez. No joke, no joke.'
Despite these severe charges, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, under General Romeo Brawner, have called for calm and assurance of their dedication to democracy and nonpartisan rule. They express the firm stance against any compromise on the democratic institution's integrity, an echo perhaps needed in such turbulent political waters.
Congressional authorities detained Sara Duterte's chief of staff, accusing her of obstructing an inquiry, although illness later hospitalized her. This arrest further fueled Duterte's incendiary remarks during the conference, highlighting deep-seated animosity and distrust within the corridors of power.
Her references to retaliation and intense personal security measures suggest a broader narrative of fear and suspicion that pervades her interactions with political contemporaries. She also pointed to past practices by her father, Rodrigo Duterte, who admitted to using "death squads" during his time as mayor, reflecting a legacy and mindset that may influence her current stance and actions.
The ramifications of such a divided leadership could profoundly affect not only the administration's functionality but also the broader socio-political stability of the Philippines. As international eyes turn toward this rising internal conflict, many wonder about the potential outcomes and the resilience of the Philippines' political institutions in such testing times.
