The political landscape in the Philippines is experiencing a seismic shift as Vice President Sara Duterte faces multiple criminal complaints. These legal challenges stem from her public threat regarding the potential assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. How has the relationship between Sara Duterte and President Marcos Jr. evolved?
Legal Turmoil Engulfs Philippine Vice President
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, including charges of sedition. This action follows Duterte’s public threat regarding the potential assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated, “Philippine government investigators filed criminal complaints, including sedition, against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday over her public threat to have the president assassinated if she herself was killed in an escalating political storm.” This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political feud between Duterte and Marcos.
WATCH: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemns Vice President Sara Duterte's death threats against him, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez saying he such criminal attempts shouldn't be allowed to go unpunished.
Related: https://t.co/sqKJBr6Zj1 pic.twitter.com/0pQyfjdUZ2
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) November 25, 2024
Impeachment Proceedings Intensify Political Drama
The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos’ allies, has impeached Vice President Duterte. The impeachment is based on a range of accusations, including threats against Marcos and others, as well as allegations of corruption and misuse of funds.
The Senate is set to address the impeachment complaint after Congress reconvenes in June. This timeline adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political situation in the Philippines.
Did Vice President Sara Duterte really threaten to assassinate President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.? Here is what she said after the House of Representatives impeached her, and what she said in November 2024. You be the judge.
Watch the full presscon here:… pic.twitter.com/kBGZ6xhYbo
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) February 7, 2025
Implications for Philippine Politics and Security
Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, ran as vice president alongside Marcos in 2022. However, their political alliance has since deteriorated, leading to the current crisis.
The vice president has denied that her remarks constituted a threat but acknowledged preparing for a legal battle in the impeachment trial. She stated at a news conference, “The vice president said at a news conference last week that her lawyers were preparing for a legal battle in her upcoming impeachment trial, but she refused to say if resignation was an option so that she could preempt a possible conviction that would bar her from running for president in the future.”