Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Denies Conspiracy to Assassinate President Marcos

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte Denies Conspiracy to Assassinate President Marcos

 Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed allegations of a conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos during a “thanksgiving” lunch with journalists on Wednesday, despite an ongoing government investigation into the matter.

Duterte hosted the luncheon at her office, where she accused the government of conspiring to remove her from her position and bring charges against her.

The 46-year-old Vice President had received a subpoena on November 23 following a press conference where she allegedly stated that, should she face an assassination threat, orders to kill Marcos would follow. Duterte later claimed her remarks had been misinterpreted.

The relationship between Duterte and Marcos, which was strong during their 2022 election campaign, has deteriorated ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Explaining her absence from the investigation, Duterte said, “I do not believe this investigation will be impartial. We are witnessing the worst-case scenario, which involves the risk of my removal from office, impeachment, and facing multiple lawsuits.”

Two political parties have already submitted impeachment resolutions against her to the House of Representatives. However, President Marcos dismissed the impeachment efforts as baseless and urged the House to refrain from pursuing them.

Jaime Santiago, director of the National Bureau of Investigation, told reporters, “If a Christmas party is her reason for not attending the investigation, it is unacceptable. Failing to respond to allegations is tantamount to admitting guilt.”

Last month, in an online press conference, Duterte expressed frustration, saying that if she were killed, President Marcos, his wife Liza, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez should also be assassinated. She later clarified that her remarks were not a threat but an expression of anger over the administration’s failures.

Reports indicate that both Romualdez and Duterte plan to run for the presidency in the 2028 elections.