‘She crossed the line this time’

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has crossed the line, House Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V said yesterday.

Ortega lambasted Duterte for her “reckless and dangerous” remarks against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez that they would be targeted by an assassin if she were killed.

“This kind of statement is not normal for an official of the government. We should ask, ‘Is the Vice President still in (her) right mind?’ These words are dangerous, reckless and deeply concerning,” Ortega said.

The lawmaker added Duterte had “crossed the line” with her brazen threat against members of the First Family.

Ortega underscored that Duterte’s statements go beyond mere rhetoric and raise serious doubts about her ability to lead.

“This must be thoroughly investigated if she is serious with what she said. If this is a joke, this is more unacceptable,” Ortega said.

He further slammed the Vice President for showing “lack of judgment unbefitting of a public servant.”

Ortega urged Duterte to reflect on her words and consider stepping back from public duties if her actions continue to harm national unity.

“These kinds of statement do not help the country. Instead of being united, they cause fear and division,” Ortega said.

“If she cannot control her emotion and statement, maybe it is time for her to seek treatment from experts,” he added.

The La Union representative also called on law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate Duterte’s claims of involving an unnamed person in support of the plot.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also called out Duterte’s “reckless and destabilizing” statement as he urged authorities to strengthen security for members of the First Family.

“We do not want these kind of threats be directed against anyone, not to the sitting President, the Speaker or even to the Vice President herself. Instead of fostering unity, it incites fear and division, creates an atmosphere of insecurity among the top echelon of our government and promotes a culture of violence… We must take these threats seriously and provide heightened security for the President, the First Lady and the Speaker,” Adiong emphasized.

He pointed out that protecting the nation’s leaders is crucial not just for their personal safety but for preserving the stability and integrity of the government and securing the democratically elected leaders of the country.

For his part, Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre described Duterte’s behavior as “toxic” and reflects poorly on her role as the second-highest official of the land, urging her instead to just address the controversies surrounding her use of confidential funds rather than resort to “drama.”

“As Vice President, she should not act like she is not in her right mind. Her toxic behavior is concerning and may reflect an alarming state of mind. This does not suit her, especially given the dignity of her office,” Acidre said.

“She did not give dignity to her position. What happened was a meltdown, plain and simple. And she said many bad things that the youth should not hear from their leaders,” he added.

The lawmaker emphasized that Duterte’s primary responsibility is to explain the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) allocated to the Office of the Vice President and during her tenure as education secretary.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña also lambasted Duterte’s “repulsive” behavior inside the House and dared the Vice President to face the House panel investigating her office’s CIF expenses.

“If she’s raring and ready to pick a fight then she should face the House panel and take her oath. Instead of acting bratinella and bully the employees of Congress, she should answer the questions about how she spent the OVP and DepEd (confidential) funds,” he said.

“Sara can reside in her brother’s room if she wants. Just attend the hearing of the House committee,” he added.

Cendaña also criticized the Vice President for floating the idea of assassinations against the country’s top leaders.

“She will get used to it if we will not hold her accountable. Just like her father, she savors the brazen impunity which she enjoys by reason of her office or because we permit it through our inaction,” he pointed out.

ACT Teacher’s party-list Rep. France Castro and former representative Antonio Tinio also advised Duterte to face the House investigation than waste time on “theatrical outbursts.”

Duterte’s outburst during witching hour at the House is a “calculated diversion” from the mounting corruption allegations regarding her misuse of CIF, according to Castro and Tinio.

“This melodrama is clearly orchestrated to deflect public attention from the real issue—the questionable use of P125 million in confidential funds spent in just 11 days last December 2022,” Castro said.

She slammed Duterte’s actions as the lawmaker believes the Vice President is making the House of Representatives a “circus” to divert the serious allegations of corruption against her.

Castro also challenges the House leadership “to support impeachment efforts in light of these brazen maneuvers.”