EDITORIAL: Revenge Plot

THE revelations surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his family, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez have plunged the nation into an unprecedented political crisis.

Her admission of contracting a hitman as a retaliatory measure against a supposed plot to eliminate her, compounded by her father’s inflammatory calls for military action against the administration, raises troubling questions about the state of governance, the rule of law, and the sanctity of democratic institutions.

At the heart of this issue is Vice President Duterte’s insistence that her statement was not an “active threat” but a conditional act of revenge. However, as the Department of Justice has aptly clarified, a threat remains a threat, regardless of conditionality.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, signed into law during her father’s presidency, defines terrorism as any act intended to harm or threaten lives, especially if it creates an atmosphere of fear or intimidation.

By her own admission, Duterte identified her targets, made contact with an executor, and issued explicit instructions—actions that surpass mere rhetoric and veer into the realm of criminality.

The implications of these developments are staggering. As the second-highest official in the land, Duterte’s actions strike at the heart of national stability and public trust. Her threats against the President, who is not just a political rival but the symbol of national sovereignty, undermine the democratic order.

Moreover, her father’s calls for military insubordination further erode confidence in the integrity of our institutions. Together, these actions paint a picture of a political class willing to sacrifice national stability for personal vendettas and power consolidation.

It is imperative that the justice system acts decisively and impartially. The issuance of subpoenas to the Vice President and the ongoing investigations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are necessary first steps.

However, the law must apply equally to all, regardless of political stature. Vice President Duterte and her father must be held accountable for their actions if found guilty, not only to uphold the rule of law but also to send a clear message that no one is above it.

This crisis also highlights the dangers of unchecked political dynasties and the erosion of democratic safeguards. The Duterte family’s grip on power and their apparent willingness to use it against political opponents should serve as a wake-up call for comprehensive political reforms.

The Anti-Terrorism Act, crafted to address threats to national security, is now being tested against those who helped enact it—a bitter irony that underscores the necessity of legal and institutional integrity.

The Filipino people deserve leaders who prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal vendettas. This moment demands accountability, transparency, and the reassertion of democratic principles.

The handling of this crisis will define the flight of our democracy and whether we remain a nation governed by laws or by the whims of a privileged few. Let us hope that justice prevails, for anything less would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in our institutions and the ideals they represent.