Government outlines repercussions for Vice President Duterte's Zoom threats: Legal responsibilities, disbarment included
Vise President Sara Duterte Finds Herself in Hot Water
A Threat Too Far
Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte, the President's daughter and former ally, now stands accused of making death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez[1]. This shocking revelation was made during a heated press conference, and it won't be brushed off lightly.
At a briefing on Monday, Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres announced that the government would be investigating the Vice President's alleged plot to assassinate high-ranking officials[1].
"We are taking action to protect our duly-elected president," said Andres. "The premeditated plot to assassinate the President shall face legal consequences," he added, emphasizing the severity of the situation[1].
The Vice President's explosive statements stemmed from a tussle between her and House officials over the detention of her chief of staff, Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez[1]. Lopez was charged with contempt after allegedly trying to obstruct the House panel's investigation.
However, the Vice President has neither confirmed nor denied the misuse of funds under her watch, even though controversies surround her office[1].
The Storm Raging On
In a pre-recorded statement, President Marcos himself urged that the Rule of Law should be upheld, emphasizing the importance of justice regardless of one's position[1]. In response to questions about the potential cases against Sara, Andres highlighted that the Vice President faces "a lot of possible legal liabilities" due to her statements and actions[1].
The NBI has promised to take "the full force of the law" in dealing with this matter[1]. Even though they'll accord Sara "due process," the threat she posed to the President is seen as "serious" and a "threat to every Filipino"[1].
While investigations are still ongoing, there's no consensus on who is behind the alleged assassination plot. Despite the severity of the situation, the NBI has given Sara a chance to explain herself and will summon her to appear within five days[1].
A Long-Standing Feud
These recent events are just another chapter in the ongoing political feud between the Marcos and Duterte families. The root of this feud can be traced back to Sara's resignation as education secretary in July 2024[2][3].
Although there's no concrete evidence linking the Vice President to the assassination plot, the gravity of the accusations, coupled with the political climate, leave little room for doubt.
As the investigation unfolds, it's evident that the fate of Sara Duterte hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen if she can weather this storm and find her place in Philippine politics once again.
[1] - [our website][2] - [enrichment data][3] - [enrichment data]
- Amidst the tumultuous political climate in the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate high-ranking officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has escalated beyond general-news headlines, spilling into crime-and-justice discussions.
- As the Justice Undersecretary announced an investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged actions, her explosive statements during the heated press conference have reignited the long-standing feud between the Marcos and Duterte families, a conflict that stretches back to Sara's resignation from the education secretary post in July 2024.
