Philippine politics reached a critical juncture on Saturday when President Ferdinand Marcos’ office announced an “active threat” to his life allegedly made by Vice President Sara Duterte. This shocking development signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between two of the country’s most powerful political families.
The announcement followed Duterte’s explosive midnight press conference, during which she claimed to have ordered a member of her security team to assassinate Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and his cousin Martin Romualdez if she were to be killed in an alleged assassination plot against her.
Unraveling Alliances and Heightened Tensions
The once-solid Marcos-Duterte alliance has now deteriorated into a fierce rivalry as the nation approaches crucial mid-term elections and the 2028 presidential race. In recent months, both sides have hurled accusations at each other, touching on issues like drug addiction, political manipulation, and personal grievances.
During the press conference, Duterte declared:
“If I die, don’t stop until you have killed them.”
The Palace quickly responded with a statement acknowledging the threat and instructing the Presidential Security Command to investigate and implement immediate protective measures.
“Any threat to the life of the President must always be taken seriously, especially since this threat has been publicly articulated in clear and certain terms,” the Palace communication office stated.
