Escalating Tensions: Marcos Sidelines Duterte Amid Security Threats in the Philippines

Marcos Bypasses Duterte During UAE Visit Amid Security Concerns

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not appoint Vice President Sara Duterte as caretaker while he visits the United Arab Emirates. This decision comes amid increased security measures following death threats against the First Family.

Marcos is scheduled to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his one-day trip. Traditionally, the vice president takes on the caretaker role during the president’s foreign engagements. However, tensions between Duterte and Marcos seem to have influenced this choice.

Instead, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III will oversee the country in Marcos’ absence.

Duterte has expressed her frustration publicly, particularly after the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez. This incident, which involved Lopez being transferred from the Batasan Pambansa complex to the Correctional Institute for Women and then to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, intensified tensions.

Increased Security at Malacañang

Duterte made headlines after threatening Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, claiming she contacted a hitman for retribution if she is harmed. Various government agencies are taking these threats seriously, prompting investigations by the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police.

The Presidential Security Command has intensified security around the Malacañan Palace. Officer Manor Nestor Endozo confirmed that security personnel have been doubled and stricter inspections, especially for vehicles, have been implemented.

This incident marks a serious escalation in Duterte’s rhetoric. Previously, she mentioned plans to exhume former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s remains, but this is the first direct threat aimed at President Marcos himself.