VP Sara backtracks on death threat, attacks Security Council for probing her

MANILA, Philippines —  Vice President Sara Duterte has lashed out at the National Security Council for investigating her assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marking her latest attempt to attack an institution that has flagged her controversial statements.

While claiming her threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. his wife and the House speaker was "maliciously taken out of logical context," Duterte also questioned the authority of the council in an open letter posted on her personal Facebook page on Monday, November 25, and shared by the Office of the Vice President.

In her letter, Duterte issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the council explain why she has reportedly been excluded from all meetings since June 2022. She also challenged the council to produce documentation of its security assessment of her remarks against Marcos, including attendance records and notarized minutes. 

Vice President Sara Duterte challenges the National Security Council in an open letter and questions their recent statement about her remarks threatening to have the president killed if she is also similarly harmed.

| via @chicristina_ pic.twitter.com/7ZrrCQJb6z

"I urge all National Security Council members and the Filipino people to demand transparency and accountability from personnel of the NSC," Duterte said.

Duterte also asked the council to include in its agenda for the next meeting "my request to present to the Council the threats to the Vice President, the OVP institution and its personnel." 

This latest outburst comes as Duterte faces a probe from the Department of Justice (DOJ) over her threat made during a profanity-laced online press conference on Saturday morning, November 23.

During this press conference, Duterte said she had contracted a hitman to kill Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos should she herself be killed.  

A visibly angry Duterte said her remarks were "no joke." 

Citing the DOJ, the Presidential Communications Office said Duterte’s threats were being investigated and could lead to charges.

Hours later, in typical Duterte fashion, the vice president walked back on her statement. At a