Sara Duterte Defends Assassination Remark, Questions Exclusion from National Security Meetings

Insisting it was “maliciously taken out of logical context,” Vice President Sara Duterte has defended her provocative comment of ordering the murder of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. should an alleged plan against her succeed. The comment has generated intense discussion, spurred research, and begged concerns about national security policies and the Vice President’s authority within the National Security Council (NSC).

On Sunday, the National Security Council (NSC) answered stressing that all threats to the President are regarded as serious and handled under national security concerns. To probe the nature of the threats, the probable offenders, and their motivations, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the NSC is closely collaborating with law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

Duterte responded to the NSC’s stance, nevertheless, by asking why she, a council member, has not been invited to any of its sessions. She pushed the NSC to show documentation of her membership and proof of their discussions over her comments.

“I would want to see a copy of the notice of meeting with proof of service, the list of attendees, photos of the meeting, and notarized minutes of meeting where the Council… resolved to consider the remarks by a Vice President against a President, maliciously taken out of logical context, as a national security concern,” Duterte said.

Duterte urged the NSC to show the minutes of every meeting held since June 30, 2022, so as to stress openness from the council. She also asked to have on the agenda the claimed threats directed against her, the Office of the Vice President (OVP), and its staff.

“I urge all National Security Council members and the Filipino people to demand transparency and accountability from the personnel of NSC,” she said, adding that she wants to evaluate the council’s policies and proposals for national security thus far.

The Remark of the Assassination

Early Saturday morning, Duterte made his divisive comment during a media briefing at the House of Representatives. The incident revolved on the imprisonment of undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, OVP chief of staff, who was cited in contempt by legislators.

In her remarks, Duterte said she had hired someone to kill House Speaker Martin Romualdez, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and President Marcos should she be slain.

“Huwag kang mag-alala sa security ko kasi may kinausap na ako na tao. Sinabi ko sa kanya, “pag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez,” she stated, stressing the seriousness of the hazards to her safety.

She stressed that her remarks were meant to draw attention to security issues rather than a threat, but it has drawn questions and the Department of Justice (DOJ) started an inquiry based on it.

The Response of DOJ

Duterte’s comment is currently under inquiry according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). “The topic is under continuous inquiry right now. Should the facts support it, this could result in ultimate prosecution,” the DOJ said via the Presidential Communications Office.

Duterte’s comments and later challenges to the NSC have spurred debates on the function of the vice president in issues of national security. The debate has also focused on the procedures controlling threats to high-ranking officials and their handling inside the administration.

This episode accentuates possible divisions among top officials and adds to the mounting stress inside the government. Viewers are closely observing how this may affect the dynamics between the Vice President and other important government players, including the President personally.

Awaiting the NSC’s Reaction

For commentary on Duterte’s remarks, GMA News has contacted NSC spokesman Jonathan Malaya and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año. As of right now, no reply has come forward.

Both political and public experts wait for more explanation on the nature of the claimed threats, the probe into Duterte’s comments, and how the administration will manage the mounting scandal as the matter develops.