Vice President Sara Duterte made an allegation on Monday, claiming that the Marcos family had a direct link to the killing of late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.
During a speech by House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the House Plenary Hall on Monday, while the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability had suspended its ongoing hearing on the OVP's 2022 Confidential Funds, Duterte exited the session hall to "divert the attention of the media."
"Kaya ako bumaba para hindi niyo i-cover si Cong. Martin Romualdez," said the Vice President.
Reporters then asked for her reaction to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement that such attempts should not be allowed to pass and that he would oppose them.
"‘Iyang ganyang kriminal na pagtatangka ay hindi dapat pinapalampas. Iyan ay aking papalagan," said the President in a video statement.
Duterte, however, stated that she had not yet read or watched the President's statement. In response, she told reporters, "'Di ba pumalag nga ang buong bayan nung pinatay ng pamilya nila si Benigno Aquino Jr.?"
Aquino's Assassination
Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. was assassinated on August 21, 1983. He was returning to the Philippines from self-imposed exile in the United States, where he had been living after being convicted of charges by the government of Ferdinand Marcos.
Upon disembarking at the Manila International Airport (now named Ninoy Aquino International Airport in his honor), Aquino was shot and killed, sparking widespread outrage and protests.
The assassination was initially blamed on a lone gunman, but many believed it was part of a broader conspiracy involving high-ranking officials in the Marcos government.
Despite an initial trial and conviction of military personnel for the crime, the true perpetrators behind Aquino's death remain a subject of debate.
Duterte's claim on Marcos admin wanting to kill her
Duterte stated early Saturday morning that she had already ordered an assassin to kill the First Couple and Speaker Martin Romualdez if a plot to have her murdered succeeded.
Duterte had previously claimed that Romualdez was plotting to kill her, alleging that she would run in the 2028 Presidential elections, although Romualdez has since denied this.
The Vice President also accused the administration of being unfair in assessing threats to the security of government officials. However, she acknowledged that she had not formally informed them of the threats against her.
The National Bureau of Investigation said on Monday that it will issue a subpoena to Duterte at her office, urging her to clarify her previous statements.
