Mon Nov 25 20:30:00 UTC 2024: **Philippine President and Vice President in Bitter Feud After Assassination Threat**
Manila, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has accused Vice President Sara Duterte of plotting his assassination after she publicly threatened to have him, his wife, and the House Speaker killed if she were to be killed first. The threat, made during an online news conference on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, has escalated tensions between the two top leaders, who won landslide victories together in 2022 but have since become bitter rivals.
Duterte, in a later attempt to downplay her remarks, claimed they were not a real threat but an expression of concern about her own safety. However, President Marcos described the statement as a “criminal plot” and vowed to fight it, citing the need to uphold the rule of law.
The National Police and military have increased security for the President, while the Justice Department has summoned Duterte for questioning. Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres labeled Duterte the “self-confessed mastermind” of a premeditated assassination plot. Philippine law considers such threats a crime punishable by imprisonment and fines.
The conflict stems from a deep rift between the two leaders, fueled by disagreements over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and accusations of corruption and political persecution. Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, resigned from Marcos’ cabinet earlier this year. The current dispute was sparked by the detention of Duterte’s chief of staff, following a congressional inquiry into alleged misuse of public funds.
Duterte has stated her willingness to cooperate with investigations but also plans to pursue her allegations against President Marcos and his allies. The situation highlights the deep political divisions within the Philippines and the potential constitutional implications should the president be incapacitated.
First Piper 