Philippine Vice President Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Controversial "Kill Order"
Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte is facing mounting pressure from Philippine authorities following a controversial statement claiming she ordered someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. if she died.
Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, initially made the remark during an event, sparking immediate public outcry. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) subsequently issued a subpoena, summoning her to explain the statement on December 11.
The investigation centers around potential violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Authorities are examining whether Duterte’s words constituted grave threats against Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte, for her part, claims her words were "maliciously taken out of logical context." She initially requested a postponement of her November 29th NBI hearing, citing a scheduling conflict with a separate House committee hearing.
She also requested access to the complaint against her, along with other relevant documents and a list of potential questions from the NBI. However, NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that such a list would not be provided.
Should Duterte fail to appear on December 11, the NBI chief warned that the agency would submit the available evidence to the Department of Justice prosecutors for further action.
“maliciously taken out of logical context.”
This unfolding situation has captivated the Filipino public and drawn international attention. Some observers have drawn comparisons to the United States, noting the potential for political upheaval stemming from such a charged accusation.
While Duterte’s supporters maintain that the statement was misinterpreted, her critics argue that even metaphorical threats against high-ranking officials should be taken seriously. The outcome of the investigation and potential legal proceedings will likely have significant implications for Philippine politics and Duterte’s future career.
