MANILA – Senior leaders of the House of Representatives on Sunday assailed Vice President Sara Duterte for publicly threatening the lives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. (Pampanga 3rd District) said Duterte’s statement is not only a heinous crime but also a betrayal of the highest order.
“The gravity of these statements cannot be overstated. A kill-order on the President is not only a heinous crime but also a betrayal of the highest order — one that shakes the very foundation of our democratic institutions,” he said.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe (Zamboanga City 2nd District) called for an exhaustive and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind the assassination plot against the President.
“The people deserve to know the full extent of this plot, including any potential abuse of power or betrayal of public trust. The integrity of our democracy demands nothing less,” Dalipe said, adding that Duterte is not above the law.
Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores likewise urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to study Duterte’s liability.
“Kung ang simpleng bomb joke nga ay nagiging dahilan para arestuhin at ikulong ang isang tao, paano pa kaya ang pagbabanta ng kamatayan laban sa ating Pangulo (If a simple bomb joke can be a ground to arrest and imprison a person, how much more a death threat against our President)? Death threats, especially directed at the President, should never be taken lightly,” he said.
Deputy Speaker David Suarez (Quezon 2nd District) considered the matter a “potential risk” to the nation and warned of the broader implications of such an alleged plot.
“This situation transcends politics. It is about the survival of our democracy, the preservation of public trust, and the safety and stability of our nation. Any individual, no matter how high their rank, must be held accountable for actions that threaten the integrity of our government,” Suarez said.
Conspiring with an assassin to target the President is a serious crime, he added.
The House leaders said the institution is prepared to work with law enforcement agencies and ensure full transparency in addressing the assassination plot against the President.
Should evidence point to the Vice President’s culpability, Suarez assured the public that the House would fulfill its constitutional mandate to uphold accountability and justice.
“We owe it to the Filipino people to ensure that the truth comes out and that the rule of law prevails. This is not just about justice. It is about defending the very soul of our democracy,” he said. (PNA)