Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement suggesting that 15 senators should be killed to make way for PDP-Laban candidates has drawn heavy criticism.
While his supporters dismissed it as a joke, many public officials and critics condemned the remark as inappropriate and unacceptable.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre, the deputy majority leader of the House of Representatives, criticized Duterte, stating that threats of violence—whether in jest or not—have serious consequences and could constitute a crime.
Acidre, one of over 200 lawmakers who signed the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, said the former president’s statement reflects a pattern of behavior, remarking that they are “like father, like daughter.”
According to Acidre, “ang anak na babae ay gustong ipapatay si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., habang ang ama naman ay gustong mamatay ang mga senador.” (The daughter wanted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dead, while the father now wants senators killed.)
Duterte made the controversial remarks during his party’s proclamation rally.
He commented that there are too many party candidates, implying that aspirants need to move up.
According to him, vacancies must be created, and the solution is to kill 15 senators.
The crowd at the event laughed at the statement, with some attendees even chanting, “kill, kill, kill.”