Philippine politics is embroiled in a dramatic clash as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faces assassination threats from within his government. Duterte claims to have been in contact with an assassin in case she were to be killed. Tensions between Marocs Jr. and Duterte have gradually increased since 2022.
Political Tensions with President Marcos
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned the reported threats from Vice President Sara Duterte, vowing to fight what he called a criminal plot. Marcos assured the nation that the threats would not be taken lightly. He emphasized the need for security and justice, underscoring that such “criminal plans should not be overlooked” by the authorities. His strong stance comes after Duterte’s controversial statements during a news conference.
The Justice Department plans to intensively investigate Duterte for her concerning allegations. National authorities, including the police and military, have enhanced the President’s security. The Department of Justice (DOJ), referring to Duterte as the “self-confessed mastermind,” will subpoena her for further questioning. As these events unfold, the National Security Council is treating this as a national security threat.
Vice President Sara Duterte telling Philippine media that she ordered someone to assassinate members of the Marcos clan in case she gets killed is exactly the wild political shit we expected from that side of politics. 😅
Just impeach her already. She's clearly crazy and… pic.twitter.com/pAPp1273qF
— Ivan 🇵🇭🇻🇦 (@IvanAtHome) November 23, 2024
Sara Duterte’s Provocative Statements
Vice President Duterte’s claim of contracting an assassin if anything should happen to her added fuel to an already tense situation. She later clarified that her statement was an expression of her safety concerns. Despite her statements, she remains a vocal critic of President Marcos and his allies. These remarks coincide with ongoing scrutiny and a congressional inquiry into the misuse of her budget, which is under investigation.
Sara Duterte’s public comments likely contribute to the fraying relationship with the Marcos administration. When asked if she would face investigators or possible impeachment, Duterte maintained her resolve, demanding answers to her allegations against Marcos while questioning the stance of the National Security Council on the matter.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office said comments about assassination plans made by Vice President Sara Duterte constitute an “active threat” to his life as the feud between the two powerful political families escalated. https://t.co/ilBy9kB1kB
— Bloomberg (@business) November 23, 2024
Historical and Political Impact
The fallout reflects a significant rift between the political dynasties of Marcos and Duterte, who once formed a formidable alliance during the 2022 election. Their relationship has deteriorated over issues like China’s territorial claims, contributing to internal discord. Duterte, known for her sharp criticisms, followed her father’s legacy of outspoken public service—a contrast to Marcos, who now focuses on maintaining constitutional stability.
Marcos has conveyed concerns about the threats’ seriousness, highlighting the implications on national stability. The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability detained Duterte’s chief-of-staff, Zuleika Lopez, amid critical investigations. Meanwhile, the Philippine military, led by General Romeo Brawner Jr., stays neutral but committed to constitutional fidelity amid these pronounced tensions.