League of cities condemns VP Duterte’s ‘outburst’ vs Marcos

EARLY MORNING MELTDOWN. In this videograb, Vice President Sara Duterte again lets it all out against the first couple and their allies in the House of Representatives at an online press conference she called on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.

BACOLOD CITY — The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) on Sunday denounced Vice President Sara Duterte’s outburst against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying it endangers not only the safety of leaders but also the peace and security of the nation.

In a statement signed by its national president Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and national chairman Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, the LCP said it calls out any conduct or action that threatens the stability of the constituted government led by Marcos.

“The recent outburst by Vice President Sara Duterte is both unbecoming of her office and reckless,” the LCP said.

“Any suggestion or statement that the Vice President would be harmed and the heinous instruction of retaliation to, in turn, harm the President, the First Lady, the Speaker of the House, or any key government official is deeply irresponsible and a grave threat to our democracy and the rule of law,” it added.

In an online press conference on Nov. 23, Duterte accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez of planning to have her killed.

She also said she had contacted someone to assassinate the President, the first lady Liza, and Romualdez if she would be harmed.

“Don’t worry about my security because I’ve already talked to someone. I told him, if I get killed, kill BBM (Marcos), Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez. No joke. No joke,” Duterte said.

The 149 members of the LCP demanded an immediate cessation of all “inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks.”

“We urge all parties involved to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect, particularly among our government officials, who represent the Filipino people,” they said.

“The Filipino people deserve unity and decisive action, not unnecessary and harmful bickering,” they added.

The LCP also said it stands in steadfast support of Marcos.

“We call on all leaders to prioritize the welfare of our citizens over personal disputes. It is imperative that government resources, energy, and focus be directed toward addressing the pressing economic and social challenges our country faces,” they added.

“Any threats to their (public officials) security will be met with the full force of the law. The League of Cities will not tolerate acts or rhetoric that sow division, incite violence, or undermine the sanctity of public service,” it said.