Philippines VP Sara Duterte Accused of Threatening President Marcos Jr

Political analysts say the rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte families will dominate the Philippines' 2028 presidential race, with Vice President Sara Duterte positioned as a leading contender against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other potential candidates.

During Duterte's impeachment trial, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials testified that her remarks targeting President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta‑Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez were “serious, real, and actual.” NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc said, “to me, as the chief investigator at that time, the utterances made by the vice president was serious, and the threat was real and actual.” Duterte’s November 23, 2024 online press conference included statements such as “They keep saying we’re corrupt… sons of … all of you: Martin Romualdez, Liza Marcos, Bongbong Marcos,” which the NBI considered a credible threat.