Sara Duterte should seek ‘psychological assessment’ – lawmaker

Vice President Sara Duterte during her press conference at the Office of the Vice President, Robinsons Cybergate Plaza, Mandaluyong City, on October 17, 2024. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte should seek a “psychological assessment” following her “deeply alarming” threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, House Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khongkun said on Sunday.

In a press conference on Friday, Oct. 17, Duterte revealed she warned the President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, that if political attacks from the administration persisted, she would exhume the body of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and throw it into the West Philippine Sea.

Duterte also admitted to having imagined cutting off Marcos Jr.’s head.

READ: Duterte: I’ll throw Marcos Sr.’s body into West PH Sea if attacks continue

READ: VP Duterte says she daydreamed ’cutting off’ Marcos’ head

In a statement on Sunday, Khongkun expressed “deep alarm” over Duterte’s remarks.

“No reasonable person would conceive of, much less make, this kind of statement. The level of irrationality in her words is deeply alarming,” he said in Filipino.

He also noted that Duterte’s “violent and grotesque threats show a troubling level of instability.”

“She should undergo a thorough psychological assessment to be sure that she can still serve the country given this critical position,” he added in Filipino.

Khongkun also pointed out that Duterte’s statements reveal issues beyond “misusing public funds.”

“The alarming behavior of the Vice President reveals a deeper problem that needs to be addressed,” he added.

For House Assistant Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Duterte’s statements bear serious implications, potential dangers, and consequences for the nation’s leadership.

“This kind of violent and frightening statement is unacceptable from anyone, especially from a sitting Vice President. Clearly, there are serious questions about their mental and emotional state,” he said in Filipino.

Ortega also reminded the public that the country deserves leaders who are mentally and emotionally stable, especially during challenging times.