DOJ investigates Duterte's threat against Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the threat made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 24, the DOJ confirmed that the matter is under review, noting that if the evidence supports it, the case could lead to prosecution.

"The matter is now subject to an ongoing investigation. If the evidence warrants, this could lead to eventual prosecution," the DOJ said.

Earlier, the National Security Council (NSC) indicated that Vice President Duterte's threat is being treated as a serious national security concern.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated on Sunday that the government is working to validate all threats against the president’s life.

“We shall be closely coordinating with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate the nature of the threat, the possible perpetrators, and their motives. We shall do our utmost in defense of our democratic institutions and processes which the President represents," Año said.

Año emphasized that the protection of the president transcends political divides, urging full cooperation from all government sectors. "The protection of the President is a non-partisan issue," he added.

The controversy began over the weekend, when Vice President Duterte made a startling statement during a midnight briefing.

She revealed that she had instructed an unidentified individual to take retaliatory action against Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, should she be assassinated.

"May kinausap na ako na tao. Sinabi ko sa kanila, kapag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez, no joke," Duterte said.

[Translation: "I already talked to someone. I told them, if I get killed, kill Bongbong Marcos, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez—no joke."]