Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte made headlines on Saturday with her shocking statement that she would have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assassinated if she herself were killed. This declaration has sparked a strong response from Marcos' office, which has promised 'immediate proper action' in light of the threat.
During a press conference, Duterte revealed that she had spoken to an assassin and instructed him to target Marcos, his wife, and the Speaker of the Philippine House in the event of her own demise. She emphasized the seriousness of her directive, stating, 'I said, do not stop until you kill them.' This alarming revelation comes amidst a growing rift between the Duterte and Marcos political families in the Southeast Asian nation.
The Presidential Communications Office swiftly responded to Duterte's statement, highlighting the gravity of any threat to the President's life. The office stated that the threat had been referred to the Presidential Security Command for immediate action, underscoring the need to take such threats seriously.
Duterte's outburst is just the latest development in the ongoing feud between the two powerful political families. The Vice President's resignation from the cabinet earlier this year marked a significant shift in their alliance, leading to heightened tensions and public confrontations.
The upcoming mid-term elections in May are expected to serve as a crucial test of Marcos' popularity and political influence. As the nation prepares for this pivotal electoral event, the deepening animosity between the Duterte and Marcos camps is likely to shape the political landscape in the Philippines.
Political violence and discord have a troubling history in the Philippines, with past incidents including the assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino in 1983. The current tensions between the Vice President and the President underscore the volatile nature of Philippine politics and the high stakes involved in the power struggle between these influential families.
