“No joke, no joke.” Vice President Sara Duterte’s choice words during a profanity-laden press conference didn’t just turn heads—they turned up security protocols around President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
The VP went live with threats to have Marcos, his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated if she were killed, leaving security forces scrambling.
And really, what better way to announce it than live on air? Security says, “Thanks for the heads-up.”
From Unity to Assassination Party—What Happened?
This is no ordinary political squabble. Duterte’s comments highlight a widening chasm between her and Marcos, once allies who swept into office on a landslide.
The VP’s outburst follows months of tension, including accusations of incompetence and even a vivid quip about cutting Marcos’ head off.
With her office’s budget recently slashed by two-thirds, Duterte’s anger isn’t exactly subtle.
While she claims her threats were hypothetical, security forces are treating the situation with the highest urgency.
After all, in Philippine politics, rhetoric often has real-world consequences.
Marcos and Duterte Feud Leaves Filipinos Wondering, ‘What Now?’
The feud comes at a critical time, with midterm elections approaching in May 2025.
Marcos, already grappling with accusations of weak leadership, faces a crucial test of his popularity.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s bold, brash style could shore up her base, echoing what supporters loved about her father, Rodrigo Duterte.
The stakes? Nothing less than the future balance of power in Philippine politics.
In a country no stranger to political violence, these escalating tensions are a grim reminder of how high the stakes can get.
