Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has voiced his concern after the justice department identified Vice President Sara Duterte as the “mastermind” behind a plot to assassinate him. The department has given Duterte five days to respond to a subpoena following her shocking remarks during a weekend press conference.
Duterte acknowledged that she had directed the alleged conspirators to kill President Marcos if an attempt on her life were to succeed. The justice department’s announcement signifies a crucial moment in the intensifying conflict between the country’s two leading political figures.
“The government is taking steps to safeguard our duly elected president,” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres stated in a press briefing. “The premeditated scheme to assassinate the president, as revealed by the self-proclaimed mastermind, will now face legal repercussions.”
Duterte has confirmed her intention to respond to the subpoena, as the nation closely observes the escalating tension between the two leaders.
