Sara Duterte's safety fears draw ironic criticism from lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines — House prosecution panel spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Sunday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte who expressed fears for her safety, saying it was “ironic” as she was facing a grave threats case. Duterte on Saturday posted a P360,000 bail for three counts of grave threats before a Quezon City court a day after an arrest warrant was issued against her. Her cases stemmed from an online press conference in November 2023 where she said she had spoken to someone about having President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated, if she herself is killed. “How ironic na the reason why she was there ay para magpiyansa, mag-post bail on an allegation of a grave threat. Accused siya na siya yung nagbabanta,” Adiong said in an interview with dzRH. (How ironic is that the reason why she was there to post bail was for an allegation of a grave threat. She was accused of making those threats.) “So mukhang ito lang ata yung nakita natin na kung sino pa yung nagbanta, siya pa rin yung biktima,” Adiong added. (So it seems that whoever made the threats was made to look like the victim.) Before entering the QC Hall of Justice, Duterte said she does not trust the police and that she fears for her safety and that of her family. She also said she had felt unsafe since 2023 as a result of harassment ther family was facing. Adiong pointed out Duterte’s demeanor when she made the remarks on Saturday, saying that it was not the look of someone who seemed scared for her life, noting that “it’s the other way around.” “Pero if you’re looking at the way, the demeanor and the manner by which she was telling this to her lawyers, hindi yun yung nakikita natin na takot na takot. Palaban pa rin siya. Mas matapang pa nga siya doon kaysa doon sa mga pulis,” Adiong said. (But if you’re looking at that way, the demeanor and the manner by which she was telling this to her lawyers, it does not show fear. She is still feisty. She is braver than the police officers there.) The lawmaker also criticized Duterte’s claim that she has been receiving threats since 2023, saying that she was the one who threatened Marcos. He added that “it’s not an indication of someone who’s been receiving threats.” Adiong, however, said the supposed threats against Duterte should still be investigated. The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said it has not received any information regarding any threats against Duterte and her family. Even so, PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they are monitoring and assessing the situation to ensure Duterte’s safety. /gsg