PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to take action against “criminal attempts” following inflammatory remarks made by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Duterte, in a heated exchange following a House panel investigation into alleged budget irregularities during her time as Education Secretary, threatened to retaliate with violence if she were assassinated. Her comments specifically targeted President Marcos, his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In a video statement, President Marcos expressed alarm over Duterte’s threats, stating, “If it’s that easy to plan the assassination of a President, what about ordinary citizens?” He added, “Such criminal attempts should not be tolerated. I will fight against them.”
While Marcos did not explicitly name Duterte, his statement was clearly directed at her incendiary remarks. He further criticized her response to the House panel investigation, stating, “The truth should not be suppressed. This issue would have been resolved if only the oath of office, to tell the truth as public servants and not obstruct justice, was upheld.”
Marcos also expressed concern over the tone of Duterte’s comments, saying, “The statements we’ve heard in recent days are alarming. There’s the unbridled cursing and the threats of plans to kill some of us.”
The President’s statement comes as tensions escalate between the two leaders, who were running mates in the 2022 elections. The public awaits further developments in this unfolding political drama and the potential consequences of Duterte’s threats.
metrosundaily
