Philippine security forces announced Wednesday, November 27, that Vice President Sara Duterte’s bodyguards had been replaced. The move comes amid heightened political tensions, following the Justice Department’s investigation into Duterte’s alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
While officials clarified that the decision to replace Duterte’s security detail was linked to a separate police investigation, the timing has drawn significant attention. A mix of soldiers and police officers previously assigned to protect the vice president have been removed and replaced with new personnel, according to National Police and military officials.
In a press briefing, National Police spokeswoman Colonel Jean Fajardo confirmed that charges had been recommended against Vice President Duterte and members of her security team. These charges stem from an alleged assault incident involving a police doctor, who was reportedly “pushed by the head of security” while facilitating the transfer of Zuleika Lopez, Duterte’s detained chief of staff.
“We cannot let this pass,” Fajardo said, emphasizing the severity of the incident. Lopez, who has been held for contempt in the House of Representatives detention center since November 20, is at the center of a contentious dispute.
Separately, General Romeo Brawner, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, revealed that soldiers assigned to Duterte’s security detail had been removed due to an “unspecified police probe.” He refrained from divulging further details but stressed the need to uphold the integrity of the investigation.
The replacement of Duterte’s security detail comes days after the Justice Department described her as a “self-confessed mastermind” in an alleged plot to assassinate President Marcos. A subpoena issued Monday has demanded Duterte’s appearance in a formal inquiry to address these accusations.
The controversy erupted after Duterte’s statements during a Saturday press conference, where she disclosed an alleged contingency plan to retaliate against the Marcos family if a purported plot to assassinate her were successful.
“If I die, don’t stop until you have killed them,” Duterte reportedly said, naming Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Marcos’s cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez. She later claimed the remarks were not intended as a death threat, describing them as part of a hypothetical scenario rather than a call to action.
Despite her clarification, Duterte’s remarks have drawn widespread condemnation and intensified scrutiny of her actions. The Justice Department’s investigation into her comments adds to the political instability gripping the country as it approaches the 2024 mid-term elections.
The once-strong Marcos-Duterte alliance, which catapulted them to a sweeping victory in the 2022 national elections, has unraveled dramatically. Their partnership, heralded as a political juggernaut two years ago, is now fraught with acrimony and mutual accusations.
Key tensions surfaced following investigations into Duterte’s alleged misuse of millions of dollars in government funds. The probe, led by a House committee chaired by Speaker Romualdez, has further fractured the alliance. Romualdez, who is widely speculated to be eyeing a presidential run in 2028, has become a central figure in the power struggle.
The detention of Zuleika Lopez, a trusted aide to Duterte, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Lopez was accused of interfering in a probe into Duterte’s financial dealings, a charge that the vice president has vehemently denied.
Analysts point to the unraveling alliance as a prelude to an intensifying rivalry between Duterte and Romualdez, both of whom are seen as strong contenders for the 2028 presidential race. The fallout has created ripple effects throughout the political landscape, with factions aligning behind either side.
Duterte’s status as the constitutional successor to President Marcos — a position she holds until his six-year term concludes — adds further intrigue to the conflict. While Marcos himself has not directly commented on the unfolding drama, his allies have sought to discredit Duterte’s leadership and financial stewardship.
The removal of Duterte’s security detail underscores the heightened tension surrounding her role in government. It also highlights concerns over her safety, given her allegations of an assassination plot targeting her. The vice president has not disclosed further details about the alleged plot, leaving questions about its validity and implications unanswered.
Legal experts have pointed out that Duterte’s remarks could carry serious consequences, regardless of her intentions. A statement perceived as a threat against the president and other high-ranking officials is considered a grave offense under Philippine law, potentially jeopardizing her political career and personal freedom.
The assault charges involving her security team compound her legal woes, as prosecutors weigh whether to proceed with filing cases against her and her staff.
Public reaction to the escalating political drama has been polarized. Supporters of Duterte have rallied to her defense, characterizing the investigations as politically motivated attacks aimed at derailing her future aspirations. Meanwhile, critics argue that her recent remarks and actions demonstrate a lack of accountability and decorum befitting a vice president.
The crisis has also drawn international attention, with observers noting its potential impact on governance and stability in the Philippines. The country faces numerous challenges, including economic recovery, national security concerns, and geopolitical tensions in the region. The infighting among top officials risks distracting from these pressing issues, analysts warn.
As the mid-term elections approach in 2024, the stakes for the Marcos administration and its rivals are higher than ever. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and the political fallout from Duterte’s comments could reshape alliances and influence voter sentiment in the months ahead.
Vice President Sara Duterte remains a key player in the Philippine political landscape, navigating a treacherous path fraught with legal battles, political rivalries, and mounting public scrutiny. Whether she can weather the storm and preserve her political ambitions remains an open question in a nation closely watching every twist and turn of the unfolding saga.
