Philippines' Vice President Duterte Denies Plot to Assassinate President Marcos Jr.

 Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte has denied allegations of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., amid growing tensions between the two leaders. Duterte addressed the accusations during a press briefing on Monday, where she clarified her controversial remarks and dismissed them as hypothetical and made out of "dissatisfaction."

"I never planned to kill President Marcos, his wife, or the Speaker of the Parliament. What I spoke about was a 'non-existent plan,'" Duterte stated, referring to comments she made earlier. Last week, she had controversially suggested that if anyone were to kill her, she would want the deaths of President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez to follow.

Duterte clarified that her statement was conditional, saying, "My condition was that I be killed first. My question is, in governance, is posthumous vengeance considered a crime?" She asserted that her remarks stemmed from frustration over her strained relationship with the president.

The comments have drawn significant scrutiny, leading investigators to summon Duterte for testimony. Her statements have also fueled speculation about the escalating discord between two of the country's most powerful leaders, causing shock and concern among the public.

The strained relationship between Vice President Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, and President Marcos Jr. has become increasingly evident. Analysts suggest that this latest controversy may exacerbate political divisions and create further instability within the Philippine government.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing alarm at the apparent feud, while others view it as an unsettling reflection of the country's political dynamics. As the investigation continues, the nation watches closely for further developments in this high-profile political drama.