Philippine Vice President Threatens President with Assassination in Case of Her Death

Sara Duterte's public remarks escalate tensions with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., prompting heightened security and national security concerns.

Vice President Sara Duterte stated she has contracted an assassin to kill President Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker if she is killed, emphasizing that the threat was not a joke.
The Presidential Security Command has increased security for Marcos and his family, calling the threat a national security issue and coordinating with law enforcement agencies.
Duterte's remarks follow the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, during a congressional probe into alleged budget misuse, which Duterte claims is politically motivated.
The political alliance between Duterte and Marcos, once strong following their joint 2022 electoral victory, has deteriorated over policy differences and accusations of corruption and incompetence.
Military leaders have assured the public of the armed forces' neutrality and urged calm as the nation prepares for mid-term elections in May 2025.