Malacañang calls VP Duterte’s alleged hitman claim against Marcos Jr. an ‘Active Threat’

MANILA — Malacañang has described Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent claim of hiring an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as an “active threat.” Duterte made the statement, which the Palace deemed “clear and unequivocal,” during a streamed conference late Friday night.

In response, the Presidential Communications Office announced that the Executive Secretary had referred the matter to the Presidential Security Command for immediate action.

The statement also noted that the Dutertes are known for making exaggerated remarks, which are sometimes later clarified or explained as expressions of frustration.

Vice President Sara Duterte recently made headlines with claims that her family had planned for three members of the Duterte clan to run for Senate.

However, despite the initial intention, none of the Dutertes ultimately filed candidacy papers.

Malacañang responded to her controversial statements with a stern reminder about the seriousness of threats against the president.

In a statement issued by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the government emphasized that “any threat to the life of the President must always be taken seriously,” particularly when such threats are made publicly and in clear, unequivocal terms.

The statement echoed past instances where public threats were swiftly acted upon.

In 2020, for example, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a school teacher without a warrant after she posted on social media offering a P50-million reward for the assassination of then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Although the teacher faced charges of inciting to sedition, the case was later dismissed, underlining the government’s strict stance on threats to public figures.

Duterte’s latest comments came during an online press conference on Friday, where she accused House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of plotting against her.

She alleged that Romualdez sees her as the biggest threat to his political future, particularly in light of the 2028 national elections.

This accusation further escalated tensions within the political landscape, as Duterte’s words continue to draw attention and scrutiny.