Philippine President and Vice President Embroiled in Deadly Feud, Testing National Stability

A severe political crisis is unfolding in the Philippines as a bitter feud between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte has escalated to alarming levels. The rift, which has been building over significant policy differences and personal animosities, came to a head when Vice President Duterte publicly stated that she had arranged for the assassination of President Marcos, his wife, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives if she were fatally attacked herself.

The feud between the two leaders, who were once allies after winning landslide electoral victories in 2022 on a platform of national unity, has exposed deep divisions within the Philippine government. Key issues include their differing foreign policy leanings, with Marcos broadening defense ties with the United States and criticizing China‘s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, contrary to the close ties with China and Russia fostered by Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

President Marcos responded strongly to the assassination threat, vowing to fight back against what he described as “reckless and troubling threats” in a video message to the nation. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that such criminal plans are not overlooked.

The situation has prompted legal action, with Philippine investigators summoning Vice President Duterte to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation over her public threats. Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres highlighted the seriousness of the threat, noting that it sets a dangerous precedent and that Duterte would face legal consequences for her statements.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin of President Marcos, also condemned the vice president’s remarks, describing them as “reckless” and “dangerous” and emphasizing the need for accountability to protect the country’s democracy.

The feud is further complicated by the ongoing investigations into the bloody crackdown on illegal drugs during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, which is being scrutinized by the International Criminal Court. This has added to the tensions between the Marcos and Duterte camps, with Rodrigo Duterte recently urging the ICC to expedite its investigation.