Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte sparked outrage by claiming she ordered an assassin to target President Marcos Jr. and key allies if she is killed, later insisting the remarks were exaggerated. The controversy highlights deepening political rifts within the country’s leadership.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte caused a political firestorm after declaring she had arranged for an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she is assassinated. The shocking remarks were made during an online news conference early Saturday, drawing immediate concern and action from the government.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin referred Duterte’s comments to the Presidential Security Command, describing the situation as an «active threat.» The security force, tasked with protecting the president and his family, labeled the remarks a national security issue. Security around President Marcos has since been tightened as law enforcement agencies investigate the matter.
Duterte later backtracked, claiming her remarks were not literal but an exaggerated expression of concern about an alleged threat to her own life.
