Sara Duterte Named Mastermind in Philippine President Assassination Plot

Sara Duterte Accused of Plotting to Kill President Marcos Jr.

MANILA, KOMPAS.com – The Philippine Department of Justice named Vice President Sara Duterte as the mastermind behind a plan to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. On November 25, 2024, the department gave her five days to respond to a court summons.

Sara Duterte had stated in a press conference on November 23 that she had ordered the murder of Marcos, his wife, and the Speaker of the House if she were to be killed herself.

Response from the Government

“Action is being taken to protect our elected president,” said Philippine Deputy Justice Secretary Jesse Andres. He mentioned that the alleged plot against the president would face legal consequences.

Earlier, President Marcos Jr. vowed to “fight back” against what he described as “disturbing threats.” The alliance between Marcos and Duterte that formed during their 2022 electoral victory has deteriorated as both sides traded accusations of drug addiction ahead of the mid-term elections next year.

Potential Consequences for Sara Duterte

While facing possible impeachment, Sara Duterte claimed she is also a target of a murder plot. She instructed her security team to eliminate Marcos Jr. if her life was in danger.

In a heated press conference, she named First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and the president’s cousin, Martin Romualdez, as additional targets.

“We must not rest until they are all eliminated,” she reportedly told her security personnel.

Government’s Stance on the Threat

Following her comments, the presidential palace treated her statements as an “active threat.” Marcos stated, “Such criminal attempts must not go unchecked. As a democratic nation, we must uphold the law.”

Andres emphasized that the Vice President is not immune from legal action and could face both criminal and administrative charges. He confirmed that the court summons is in process and acknowledged an active search for hired killers supposedly involved in the assassination scheme.

Conclusion

This event marks a significant moment in Philippine politics as tensions rise within the ruling alliance. With the potential legal ramifications for Sara Duterte, the unfolding situation poses questions regarding political stability and governance in the country.