Vice President Sara Duterte recently made some shocking comments during a virtual press conference, saying that if she were killed, she would have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Speaker Martin Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos killed as well. But Duterte clarified that it was not a threat—she was simply expressing her concerns about threats to her safety.
Duterte explained that she had spoken to someone about her fears and, in the case of her death, asked that they make sure the people she mentioned be killed. She compared her comments to a previous statement where she joked about throwing the body of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. into the sea, saying both were not meant to be taken seriously.
The comments caused concern and led to the Presidential Communications Office taking action. They referred the matter to the Presidential Security Command (PSC), which immediately increased security measures around Marcos and his family. The Philippine National Police (PNP) also promised to investigate the situation.
Several senators reacted strongly. Senate President Francis Escudero said Duterte’s remarks were inappropriate for someone in her position and urged people close to her to help her refrain from making such statements. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said he could understand why Duterte might feel upset given her circumstances, but still, such comments were not helpful.
Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Christopher “Bong” Go called for peace between Duterte and Marcos, saying that what the people needed now was not political fighting but better service from their leaders.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called for calm, saying the military would continue to stay loyal to the Constitution and work for unity in the country.
