Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed serious concern over threats against his life, following comments from Vice President Sara Duterte suggesting she had contingency plans for his assassination should she be killed, Bloomberg reports.
In a video message released Monday, Marcos voiced alarm at the ease with which such plots appear to be conceived, stating, “If it’s that easy to plan the assassination of a president, how much more for ordinary citizens?” He vowed to uphold the rule of law and resist such attempts.
The president’s statement comes after Vice President Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, revealed during a briefing on Saturday that she had made arrangements for the assassination of President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez should she be killed. Duterte later claimed her remarks were misinterpreted, citing concerns for her own security.
The incident marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing feud between the country’s two most powerful politicians, who formed an alliance during the 2022 elections. That alliance, strained by policy disagreements, fractured earlier this year when the Vice President resigned from Marcos’ cabinet.
The rift has deepened as Marcos’ congressional allies have launched investigations into alleged misuse of funds by Duterte’s office, allegations she vehemently denies. The Vice President has also accused lawmakers of pursuing her impeachment.
President Marcos linked the escalating tensions to a lack of transparency, stating, “It would not have led to this kind of drama if only the legitimate questions in the Senate and House of Representatives would have been answered.” He expressed a hope for a peaceful resolution that brings forth the truth.
