In an alarming escalation of tensions between the Philippines’ two most powerful political families, Vice President Sara Duterte stated on Saturday that she had instructed an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and the Speaker of the House if she were to be killed, Speaking at a profanity-laden press conference, Duterte revealed that she had spoken to someone about carrying out the killings, emphasizing her seriousness. “If I get killed, go kill BBM (Marcos), (First Lady) Liza Araneta, and (Speaker) Martin Romualdez. No joke,” she said. Her comments were made in response to an online commenter who urged her to stay safe while she spent the night in Congress with her chief of staff.
The Presidential Communications Office swiftly issued a statement condemning the remarks and confirmed that the threat had been referred to the Presidential Security Command for “immediate proper action.” The statement emphasized that any threat to the President’s life must be taken seriously, especially one made so publicly. Duterte’s office has yet to respond to the presidential statement. Rising Tensions and Political Fallout This latest outburst underscores the deepening divide between the Marcos and Duterte families, who were once powerful allies. Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, resigned from Marcos’ cabinet in June, signaling the collapse of their political partnership. In October, she accused Marcos of incompetence and said she had imagined cutting his head off.
This latest outburst underscores the deepening divide between the Marcos and Duterte families, who were once powerful allies. Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, resigned from Marcos’ cabinet in June, signaling the collapse of their political partnership. In October, she accused Marcos of incompetence and said she had imagined cutting his head off. Relations have soured further after Speaker Romualdez, a cousin of Marcos, reduced the vice president’s office budget by nearly two-thirds. Disagreements between the two families reportedly extend to issues such as foreign policy and Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. Duterte’s comments are expected to further strain political dynamics in the Philippines, with observers warning of the destabilizing impact of the feud at the nation’s highest levels of power.
