Duterte, Marcos Clash: President Assassination Plot
The political landscape in the Philippines has erupted with a scandal involving Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. On Monday (Nov 25), the Department of Justice labelled Duterte as the “mastermind” behind a plot to assassinate the president. A subpoena gives her five days to respond.
This shocking revelation follows Duterte’s explosive weekend press conference. She admitted instructing her security team to assassinate Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and his cousin Martin Romualdez if an alleged plan to kill her succeeded. “If I die, don’t stop until you’ve killed them,” Duterte declared in Tagalog, calling her remarks no joke.
President Marcos quickly addressed the matter, calling the threat “disturbing” and vowing to “fight back.” His office announced heightened security measures, treating the statements as an “active threat.” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres affirmed the seriousness, stating, “The premeditated plot to assassinate the president will face legal consequences.”
Political fallout of Marcos & Duterte alliance since 2022 President election
The fallout underscores the complete breakdown of the Marcos-Duterte alliance, which secured their 2022 election victory. Tensions between the two camps have been escalating ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. Both sides have exchanged allegations, with Duterte accusing Marcos of drug addiction and Marcos questioning Duterte’s leadership.
Duterte’s resignation as education secretary earlier this year signalled trouble. Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, added fuel by accusing Marcos of opioid abuse. Meanwhile, Marcos’ camp accused the Dutertes of misusing education funds.
The assassination claim has now pushed their rivalry to a dangerous level. Duterte attempted to downplay her comments on Monday, calling them “maliciously taken out of context.”
Experts warn this elite feud could worsen the country’s political polarization. “This is no longer rhetoric,” said political science professor Jorge Tigno. “When you threaten Marcos, the president, it’s a matter of national security.”
With impeachment attempts looming and the 2028 presidential race in sight, the Philippines faces a period of political instability. How this saga unfolds will undoubtedly shape the nation’s future.
