MANILA — Political tensions in the Philippines reached a boiling point as Vice President Sara Duterte made explosive remarks about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., claiming she had arranged for his assassination in the event of her death, according to local media.

Duterte, during an online press conference late Friday, stated that she had instructed a person to target Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her life were successful.

“I already talked to a person. I told the person, ‘If they kill me, kill Marcos, Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez.’ No joke, no joke. I’ve left instructions,” Duterte said in her remarks, which have sparked widespread controversy.

The presidential palace swiftly condemned the statement, describing it as a direct threat to the president’s life.

“Acting on the Vice President’s clear and unequivocal statement that she had contracted an assassin to kill the President if an alleged plot against her succeeds, the Executive Secretary has referred this active threat to the Presidential Security Command for immediate proper action,” the palace said in a statement.

It emphasized, “Any threat to the life of the President must always be taken seriously, more so when this threat has been publicly revealed in clear and certain terms.”

The remarks signify a dramatic escalation in the already strained relationship between the two leaders, highlighting the deepening rift within the ruling coalition. Duterte resigned from her Cabinet post in June, citing differences with Marcos, but retained her position as vice president. — Agencies