PSC HEIGHTENS ALERT AFTER VP SARA’S ‘ACTIVE THREAT’

THE Presidential Security Command (PSC) on Saturday said it had “heightened and strengthened its security protocols” for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the first family following an “active threat” made by Vice President Sara Duterte.

“We are also closely coordinating with law enforcement agencies to detect, deter, and defend against any and all threats to the President and the First Family,” the PSC statement issued on Saturday.

“Any threat to the life of the president and the first family, regardless of its origin — and especially one made so brazenly in public — is treated with the utmost seriousness. We consider this a matter of national security and shall take all necessary measures to ensure the president’s safety,” it added.

The PSC issued the statement after Executive Secretary Lucas referred Duterte’s threat to the PSC for “immediate proper action.”

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Palace took the threats made by Duterte seriously.

“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 PCO said.

In an online press conference on Friday, VP Sara said she had contracted an assassin to kill Prsident Marcos and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, should anything bad happen to her.

The Vice President said what she said was no joke.

CIDG PROBES ASSASSINATION REMARKS

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on Saturday ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to investigate the assassination remarks of VP Sara.

The PNP said it “recognizes the grave nature of this matter” adding that it “will take necessary legal actions in accordance with the law.”

Duterte held the press conference after her chief of staff, Office of the Vice Presiden (OVP) Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez was detained at the House of Representatives after being cited in contempt for “undue interference” during a hearing on the alleged misuse of public funds of the OVP.

The Vice President visited Lopez at the House on Thursday night, and later chose to spend the night as she vowed to protect her chief of staff.

DIVERSION FROM P612.5M FUND MISUSE ISSUE

A House leader on Saturday urged the public not to be misled by VP Sara’s inflammatory remarks, describing them as a deliberate diversion from allegations of her misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.

“Huwag po tayong magpabudol. Ang tunay na isyu rito ay ang P612.5 milyon na confidential funds na kailangang ipaliwanag ng Bise Presidente sa publiko. Hindi dapat magpadala sa mga diversionary tactics na ganito,” House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun said.

Khonghun described Duterte’s statement suggesting the assassination of the President, the First Lady and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she was killed as a clear distraction.

“Instead of addressing the allegations head-on, she is creating distractions that only sow fear and division,” he pointed out.

Khonghun urged the public and his colleagues in the House of Representatives to remain focused on uncovering the truth about the questionable use of confidential funds. 

“Ang pondo ng bayan ay para sa taumbayan, hindi para sa personal na interes. The people deserve transparency and accountability, not theatrics,” he emphasized.

He also commended Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, for leading the investigation into the matter. 

“Chair Joel Chua is doing the right thing by focusing on the real issue. Hindi dapat matabunan ang ganitong usapin,” Khonghun said.

“Let’s not be distracted by these reckless remarks. The P612.5 million fund issue is too important to ignore. Huwag tayong magpabudol,” the Zambales solon stressed.