Political tensions have reached a boiling point in the Philippines as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. faces shocking assassination threats.
At a Glance
- Philippine President Marcos condemned threats from Vice President Sara Duterte, labeling them a criminal plot.
- The Justice Department has initiated an investigation into the threats.
- Security for the president has been heightened amid these escalating tensions.
- These developments expose a significant rift between the Marcos and Duterte families.
Assassination Threats Unveiled
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. condemned what he deems a criminal plot against him initiated by Vice President Sara Duterte. The Department of Justice has launched an investigation, while the national police and military have elevated security measures for the president. Vice President Duterte claimed her controversial statement was a reaction to her personal safety concerns, though she later clarified her comments.
The National Security Council has labeled these threats a significant national security issue. These alarming incidents have intensified the falling out between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties, once seen as a united force in Philippine politics. Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres has indicated that Vice President Duterte will be subpoenaed for the investigation.
In a dramatic sign of a widening rift between the two most powerful political families in the Southeast Asian nation, Duterte told an early morning press conference that she had spoken to an assassin and instructed him to kill Marcos, his wife, and the speaker of the Philippine… https://t.co/ElwtXKrRfD
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 24, 2024
Tensions Between Political Families
Marcos and Duterte have endured a turbulent political relationship, exacerbated by differences in handling issues such as territorial claims by China. Although they initially joined forces during the 2022 elections, their alliance has since soured. President Marcos delivered an emphatic video message, insisting that these plans cannot be overlooked.
“This kind of criminal plotting must not be ignored. It is something I will firmly oppose.” – Mr. Marcos
In a significant development, Vice President Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, was detained amid a congressional probe into budget misuse, further fueling political discord. This was followed by reports of Lopez’s health deteriorating after her detention, prompting inquiries about the treatment of political figures under investigation.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s office said comments about assassination plans made by Vice President Sara Duterte constitute an “active threat” to his life as the feud between the two powerful political families escalated. https://t.co/ilBy9kB1kB
— Bloomberg (@business) November 23, 2024
National Implications
As political tensions rise, the Philippine military maintains its stance of neutrality according to General Romeo Brawner Jr., emphasizing a dedication to the Constitution. With ongoing investigations into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs,” the current administration’s responses have further complicated the political landscape.
“The premeditated plot to assassinate the president as declared by the self-confessed mastermind will now face legal consequences,” Jesse Andres stated, indicating the gravity of the situation.
Marcos has echoed the necessity for law and order, pledging to uphold constitutional values in light of these worrisome threats. As the political drama unfolds, the questions about the safety of leaders and the country’s governance remain central to the discussion.
Sources
1. President slams ‘criminal plot’
2. Philippines President Slams Vice President’s Assassination Plot
