Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation, Secretary Larry Gadon, claimed that Vice President Sara Duterte is mentally incapacitated, citing her recent remarks, including an alleged "kill order" against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Tuesday, Gadon reiterated that, according to the Constitution, the Vice President's role is to assist the President in carrying out his duties.
"Paano mo i-aassist ‘yung presidente? Lahat ng sinasabi mo ay taliwas kay Presidente. Lahat ng ikinikilos mo ay laban kay Presidente. Ngayon ay plano mo pang ipapatay. So therefore, you are – sabi ko nga dyan – she is mentally incapacitated," Gadon said.
Gadon further stated that Congress could declare Duterte incapacitated, as the Constitution does not specify that incapacity must be purely physical.
He proposed that Congress file a petition to declare her mentally incapacitated and subsequently elect a new Vice President.
Gadon further explained that the Constitution allows the President of the Senate to take over temporarily, or if unavailable, the Speaker of the House, or even any member of Congress, including those from the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The official stated that this suggestion would not lead to turmoil, but would instead foster political stability, as it is in accordance with the country's Constitution.
The sentiments of the poverty sector
According to Gadon, several members of the poverty sector have expressed that they were victims of the Vice President in the context of the current issue.
"Sapagkat noong siya’y ibinoto na kasama ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ang inaasahan nila ay siya ay maging katuwang, katulong, at mag-cocoordinate kay Presidente," Gadon further stated.
In this regard, Gadon asserted that President Marcos' reaction to the 'threats' from VP Duterte was justified. He further stated that he does not believe there is a real threat to Duterte's life, given her ample security detail.
"Binawasan nga ng 73 ‘yung kanyang security but still she has 400 security personnel, anong banta ang pinagsasasabi niya?" said Gadon.
In a virtual press briefing on November 22, Duterte admitted to hiring someone to kill President Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Marcos should she be assassinated.
Marcos hit back at Duterte's 'threat,' declaring that he would not let it slide and would actively oppose it.
According to the Presidential Communications Office on Saturday, Duterte's remarks were deemed an "active threat" to the life of the President.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin then called for "immediate and proper action" from the Presidential Security Command.
