Sara Duterte Accuses Marcos of Controlling Judiciary, Police

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte expressed distrust in law enforcers and the judiciary, accusing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of controlling senators, prosecutors, judges, and the police. In a video message posted on social media, Duterte reiterated claims of “political harassment” by the Marcos administration and expressed solidarity with the public amid floods and the peso hitting a record low of P62.77 against the US dollar. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Duterte’s remarks “need patience and understanding,” assuring her that the PNP is committed to “lawful, professional and impartial police operations.” Days after posting bail for grave threats directed at Marcos and his family, Duterte claimed that she received information in 2024 about Marcos’ planned attacks against her, as well as her father’s eventual arrest for crimes against humanity. Duterte is reportedly maintaining a security detail of about 470 personnel. Since her security is linked to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Duterte said she relayed “some important requests” to former AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner. “I asked that my mother and children be respected and protected and that they not be implicated or intimidated in any way that may be done to me,” she said. While the Vice President did not provide evidence of the supposed threats, a press conference in 2024 showed Duterte revealing an assassination plot against Marcos and his family in the event of her death. Duterte’s threats are included in the Articles of Impeachment being heard at the Senate. On Saturday, the Vice President posted bail of P360,000 for three counts of grave threats.