In a revelation that has stunned the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte publicly admitted on November 23, 2024, to securing an assassin to eliminate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of her own assassination. This shocking disclosure has deepened the rift between the nation’s two most prominent political families, marking a critical point in an already strained political alliance.

During an early morning address, Duterte declared she had spoken with a trusted assassin, instructing them to retaliate decisively if she were targeted. Emphasizing the gravity of her remarks, Duterte insisted she had no regrets and expected her assassin to carry out the grim instructions with full commitment. The Philippine vice president’s candid admission was unprecedented, heightening tensions in a country where political violence is not uncommon.

Political fallout intensifies rivalry

This latest development underscores the growing animosity between the Marcos and Duterte camps. The alliance forged during their victorious 2022 election campaign has since crumbled, with disagreements over domestic governance and foreign policy creating a clear divide. Earlier this year, Duterte resigned from cabinet roles within Marcos’ administration, publicly denouncing his leadership and questioning his ability to govern effectively.

The divide widened further in October 2024 when Duterte accused Marcos of incompetence and hinted at drastic measures, including threats to exhume and discard the remains of Marcos’ father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., if her family continued to face political attacks. Such remarks have exacerbated a power struggle within the Philippine political landscape, eroding trust between the factions.

Heightened security and legal implications

In light of Duterte’s recent statements, security for President Marcos and his family has been tightened. The Presidential Security Command has collaborated with local authorities to address potential threats while ensuring the president’s safety. Law enforcement agencies, including the national police, are investigating the vice president’s claims to determine if criminal charges are warranted. Legal experts argue that Duterte’s threats could breach Philippine penal laws, potentially leading to serious legal consequences.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has initiated a formal review of the matter. The unprecedented nature of Duterte’s remarks has raised questions about their implications for the Philippines’ constitutional framework, where vice presidents and presidents are elected independently, often leading to contrasting political affiliations and interests.

Elections on the horizon

The timing of this controversy is critical, with mid-term elections scheduled for May 2025. Political analysts suggest these elections will serve as a referendum on President Marcos’ administration while providing Duterte’s camp with an opportunity to consolidate its influence. The fallout from her incendiary remarks is likely to influence voter sentiment, with potential implications for both local and national governance.

Experts note that the Philippines’ political environment has long been characterised by intense rivalries and power struggles, often overshadowing substantive policy discussions. Duterte’s disclosure may further polarise the electorate, leaving lasting repercussions on the country’s political fabric.

International implications

The escalating tensions between Duterte and Marcos also have international ramifications. As the Philippines grapples with territorial disputes in the South China Sea and seeks to strengthen its position on the global stage, internal divisions among its leaders could undermine the country’s foreign policy coherence. Observers are watching closely to see how this political drama will affect the nation’s standing in the region.

Looking ahead

The unfolding situation between Sara Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlights the volatile nature of Philippine politics, where alliances can shift rapidly, and personal rivalries often spill into the public domain. As the nation braces for the 2025 elections, the outcome of this power struggle will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. How the government addresses these internal divisions will be critical in determining the Philippines’ trajectory in the years to come.

  2025 elections, assassination threat, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Philippine politics, Philippines, political rivalry, Sara Duterte