Duterte ‘ultimate beneficiary’ if president is assassinated - DOJ

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) did not hold back when addressing whether Vice President Sara Duterte could orchestrate an assassination attempt on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Very powerful si Vice President Sara. Mataas na posisyon sa government, very influential, kaya lalong matindi yung threat na binabantayan natin ngayon,”said Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres during a press briefing on Monday, Nov. 25.

[Translation: Vice President Sara is very powerful. She holds a high position in government, very influential, which is why this threat we are monitoring is all the more concerning]

Andres saud Duterte’s remarks about a potential assassination attempt should not be dismissed lightly.

“Please understand that if ever this threat of assassination actually happens or is accomplished, she is the ultimate beneficiary and we have to do everything to protect the President. Understandably, if such an event happens, who will benefit? She is the beneficiary of the death of the president. So her words have to be taken in the proper context,” he explained.

The DOJ said this was not the first time Duterte issued alarming statements about harming Marcos.

“Previously, she made the declaration that the president's head should be cut off. Pugutan ng ulo. (Behead him.) And now, this more specific allegation on engaging an assassin, kill people, including the president, is a very serious, serious action taken by the vice president. And we have to, you know, go through the process and seek accountability for this,” Andres said.

He said all law enforcement agencies are now tasked with identifying the alleged assassin and making sure that anyone involved in the criminal plot faces the full force of the law.

“This is a matter of national security and justice. We will not rest until the truth is uncovered and appropriate actions are taken against those responsible,” Andres said.

The DOJ underscored its commitment to protecting the president and to make sure that no one, regardless of position, is above the law.