MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday denied making any assassination threat against President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, following accusations that her remark about being the “designated survivor” during Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address (SONA) was a veiled threat.
“I did not make an assassination threat to the President. Sila lang ang may sabi nyan,” Duterte said in Filipino at a press conference, rejecting the claims.
The controversy arose after Duterte designated herself as the “designated survivor” during the SONA, a role traditionally assigned in U.S. government protocol.
A “designated survivor” is a government official chosen to remain in a secure location during high-level gatherings to ensure the continuity of government in case of a catastrophic event that incapacitates or kills the president and other key officials.
Duterte was asked during the press briefing if she regretted her comment, which some critics interpreted as a threat to the president’s life. The remark has become a central point in the Articles of Impeachment filed against her.
Despite the accusations, Duterte emphasized that there was no ill intent behind her words, which have now become a focal point of legal and political scrutiny in the Philippines.
