Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has sparked widespread controversy after issuing death threats in a publicly released video. In the video, Duterte claimed she had arranged for the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, in retaliation should she herself be killed.
Duterte has previously described her relationship with President Marcos as “toxic” and even admitted to journalists that she had imagined beheading him.1 In the same video, she accused Romualdez of benefiting from illegal activities, including drug smuggling and the misappropriation of National Treasury funds. She also alleged irregularities in his handling of funds from the Department of Education (DepEd) and connections to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). However, she presented no evidence to support these claims.
The remarks come amidst a political turmoil following the detention of Duterte’s chief aide, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, who serves as Chief-of-Staff at the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Lopez was cited for contempt and placed under House detention during an investigation into allegations of fund misuse involving the OVP and DepEd.2 Initially sentenced to five days of detention, her term was extended to 10 days. She was then transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women, which sparked Duterte’s breaking point. Duterte and her security personnel intervened in the transfer, escalating tensions further.3
On November 27, the Quezon City Police District filed a criminal complaint against Duterte and her security personnel, charging them with direct assault, disobedience to authority, and grave coercion. Moreover, the Vice President’s rhetoric in the published video has drawn sharp criticism nationwide.4
The National Security Council has classified all threats against President Marcos as national security matters, while the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has launched an inquiry into Duterte’s statements. On Tuesday, November 26 law enforcement summoned her for questioning. Duterte dismissed the allegations as “a plan without flesh” and denied any intent to act on her threats.5 She has been ordered to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation today on November 29.
Simultaneously, Duterte faces intensifying scrutiny over allegations of misusing 612.5 million pesos in confidential funds. The House Committee on Good Governance resumed its investigation on November 25.
Controversy erupted following rumors that the Vice President’s security staff was being withdrawn because of ongoing police and legislative investigations. However, AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. clarified on November 28 that this is untrue. Instead, the head and members of the Vice-Presidential Security and Protection Group are being replaced with a new contingent drawn from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).6
Even though Brawner assured that the military will continue to protect her, Duterte responded by expressing fear for her safety and distrust in the new security arrangement. She stated that she prefers to rely on her own security team, reportedly assembled with the help of friends. Duterte has previously received support from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and certain tribal groups. Earlier this year, these groups offered her security assistance after the PNP withdrew 75 personnel from her detail, describing their gesture as an expression of gratitude toward the Duterte family.7
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. addressed the assassination threats in a recorded statement, expressing grave concern. He underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that if such plots could be devised so casually, it raises troubling questions about the safety of ordinary citizens. Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all Filipinos.8
The dispute comes in the lead-up to the general elections in May 2025, underscoring the deepening tensions between two of the Philippines’ most influential political dynasties: the Dutertes, aligned with the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), and the Marcoses, associated with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP). The families formed a coalition during the 2022 elections, marking a historic political alliance. However, their partnerships have since unraveled, with escalating public disputes further straining their relationship.9
The relationship between the two factions deteriorated further in recent months, following legislative inquiries into Duterte’s father and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial “drug war” and allegations against his associates. He is currently under ICC investigations. Both sides have traded accusations of drug abuse, though neither has provided evidence to substantiate these claims.10
As tensions rise, Duterte, who resigned as education secretary in June, remains the constitutional successor to the president should he be unable to complete his six-year term.
Sources:
6: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/11/28/2403558/vp-security-be-replaced-new-personnel
8: https://www.brigadanews.ph/marcos-says-hes-not-taking-saras-kill-order-sitting-down/
10: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Philippines-Marcos-Duterte-conflict-worsens-5-things-to-know
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