MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang has ordered the Presidential Security Command (PSC) to take immediate action following a controversial statement made by Vice President Sara Duterte during a public address.

In a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office, the administration described the Vice President’s remarks as an “active threat” that requires “urgent and proper action.”

“Acting on the Vice President’s clear and unequivocal statement that she had contracted an assassin to kill the President if an alleged plot against her succeeds, the Executive Secretary has referred this active threat to the Presidential Security Command for immediate proper action,” the Palace said.

“Any threat to the life of the President must always be taken seriously, more so that this threat has been publicly revealed in clear and certain terms,” the statement stressed.

On Friday night, during an online press conference, Duterte revealed that she had already spoken to an individual whom she instructed to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of her own death.

“May kinausap na ako na tao. Sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘Kapag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez.’ No joke, no joke. Nagbilin na ako,” Duterte said.

“Pag namatay ako, sabi ko, ‘Wag ka tumigil hanggang hindi mo mapatay sila, and then he said ‘yes,’” Duterte added.

A House panel’s decision to send the vice president’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, to the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong set off Duterte’s tirade against the Marcos family. Duterte’s decision to remain at the Batasang Pambansa Complex while her staff are still being held has raised security fears at the House.

“Meltdown”: Solons, Netizens Criticize VP’s Rant

In a statement, Tingog Partylist representative Jude Acidre called the Vice President’s statement unbecoming of a government official. “What happened was a meltdown, plain and simple,” Rep. Acidre said.

Former Senator Leila de Lima described VP Duterte’s threat as a diversion from the main issue.

“What to do with a VP who openly threatens murder on a sitting President and his wife in a mega meltdown? Under ordinary circumstances, impeachment. But more than the ordinary, this is political drama staged by the OVP to divert the issue from its plunder of confidential funds. Kung magnakaw wagas. Kapag pinapaliwanag andaming hanash,” the former senator said.

Teddy Casiño, former Bayan Muna representative, called Duterte’s tirade a desperate attempt to divert public attention.

“Duterte can cry politics all she wants, but at the end of the day, it is her duty to explain these and other irregularities to Congress and the people,” Casiño said. “She should stop hiding behind her staff and face her accusers head on.”

“And if it is true that she was involved in other irregularities with First Lady Liza Marcos or any member of Congress, then she can say so at the next hearing of the Good Government Committee of the House, under oath and in full view of the public,” Casiño stressed.

Meanwhile, netizens also shared opinions regarding the Vice President’s rants, most of which described Duterte as “no longer fit to serve the government.”

“She is really no longer a fit to serve the people. I hope the Government takes action this time,” said Mylene F.

“Yes, she is definitely NOT FIT to hold any Government or Public Office for this latest display of unacceptable, irresponsible rants and behavior. This is only one of the many other reasons why she should be removed from her Office as Vice President of the Land,” said Sylvia C.

Others expressed concern, such as Joemedes A. In his social media comment, he said: “How can you be a leader when your heart is full of anger? Lead by example please….”

“Welcome to the era where killing is normalized and death threats are served on a bed of roses,” said Jeff S.

“People will always be able to find a justification for their most horrible acts,” said critic Nuelle Duterte in her Facebook post.

📷 Harry Roque FB