Drama in the Philippines: Duterte Calls Out Marcos Family Over Aquino’s Assassination!
Ah, the political soap opera that is the Philippines! Grab your popcorn, everyone, because it looks like Vice President Sara Duterte just threw a spicy accusation towards the presidential main stage! On a lovely Monday, she wasn’t just looking for a bit of small talk; she stepped up to the mic and accused the Marcos family of being behind the shocking murder of the late senator, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Talk about stirring the pot!
Duterte’s Bold Claims
So there we were, expecting the usual fiscal discussions related to her office’s budget at the House panel inquiry, but no! Duterte seized the moment to drop a bombshell. In response to President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s seemingly paranoid pledge to block “criminal attempts” on his life, she was quick to declare, “Yes, didn’t the entire nation push back when their family killed Benigno Aquino Jr.?” Ouch!
Now, let’s rewind for a sec. Aquino was assassinated back in 1983 at the then-Manila International Airport, igniting a firestorm of outrage and massive protests against the rule of his political rival, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Ah, yes, the past isn’t just past—especially when it’s storming back into the living room to yell at the kids!
The Marcos Family’s Legacy
Now, the question everyone’s asking is, who really pulled the strings in Aquino’s assassination? The poor Agrava Commission investigated it back in the day, only to blame a covert military conspiracy led by none other than Marcos’ cousin, Fabian Ver. But guess what? Spoiler alert: they all walked free! Isn’t it nice when the past just doesn’t stay buried?
Fast forward to when Corazon Aquino became president in 1986. She dared to revisit the case, and surprise, surprise! Sixteen soldiers eventually found themselves behind bars! Three of those chaps kicked the bucket in prison, and the rest got a nice little pardon from former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. If that doesn’t feel like a bad TV drama, I don’t know what does!
Threats and Accusations: The Vice President’s Security Saga
Now, don’t worry, it doesn’t stop there! In a twist befitting a telenovela, Duterte claimed she ordered an assassin to tackle the First Couple. Quite the family reunion gift, don’t you think? ‘If they get me, well, here’s what I would do,’ she said as casually as you would discuss brunch options. Meanwhile, she has some beef with the National Security Council, bemused as to why they only seem keen on discussing threats against the President and not her. “What kind of country is this?” she asked. It’s the kind where drama is just around the corner, I reckon!
A Political Family Feud
There’s more to this soap opera—Duterte has stomped her foot over her exclusion from the recent NSC meeting. She’s got the receipts ready, folks! “I’d like to see proof of service—the full director’s cut!” she called for, sounding less like a politician and more like someone waiting for their takeaway in a restaurant!
A Conclusion Worth Pondering
So, as the Philippines once again finds itself in a political whirlwind, one thing’s for sure: Sara Duterte isn’t shy about calling a spade a spade—and if the shoes fit, well, she’ll wear them. Between political rivalries, historic accusations, and uninvited meetings, who’s up for a little betting pool on the next plot twist? If there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that you should never assume the drama is over when it comes to Philippine politics! Stay tuned, folks!
Vice President Sara Duterte made a striking assertion on Monday, alleging that the family of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was complicit in the assassination of former opposition leader and late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., a claim that has far-reaching political implications.
“Oo, di ba, pumalag nga iyong buong bayan nu’ng pinatay ng pamilya nila si Benigno Aquino Jr,” Duterte told reporters during a break at the House panel inquiry focused on evaluating her office’s budgetary allocation and usage.
(Yes, didn’t the entire nation push back when their family killed Benigno Aquino Jr?)
Duterte’s comment came in response to President Marcos Jr.’s recent remarks expressing his intention to thwart any “criminal attempts” on his life, revealing a tense political climate marked by mutual suspicion and concern for security.
“‘Yang ganyang kriminal na pagtatangka ay hindi dapat pinapalampas. ‘Yan ay aking papalagan,” added Marcos, underscoring his commitment to address security threats against himself. (We should not let these criminal attempts pass us by. I will push back against these.)
In the wake of Duterte’s explosive allegation, GMA News Online has reached out to Malacañang through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, but no response has been received as of the time of this report.
Aquino was assassinated on August 21, 1983, at the then-Manila International Airport, an event that ignited widespread protests and political upheaval against the Marcos regime, which had imposed Martial Law from 1972 until 1981 and dominated Philippine politics until being ousted in February 1986 through a mass uprising.
According to a report by Vera Files published earlier on GMA News Online, the Marcos administration initiated the Agrava Commission to investigate the assassination of Aquino. The Commission ultimately attributed the blame to a military conspiracy orchestrated by Marcos’ cousin and then-Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Fabian Ver. However, in December 1985, Ver and 25 others were acquitted by the Sandiganbayan, further complicating the narrative surrounding this politically charged event.
When Corazon Aquino, the senator’s widow, assumed the presidency in 1986, the case was reopened, leading to life sentences for 16 military personnel found culpable in the murder. Subsequently, three of those convicted died in prison, while others were granted clemency by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who encountered controversy over her actions. The convicts maintained that Rolando Galman was the actual assassin responsible for Aquino’s death.
Duterte has expressed her displeasure with the administration’s alleged bias regarding security assessments for government officials. She lamented that while the National Security Council (NSC) considers threats against the President significant, similar threats to her life seem to be dismissed. “What kind of country is this? Hindi ba kaparte ng gobyerno ang vice president? Hindi ba ako binoto ng mga tao?” she remarked, emphasizing her legitimacy as an elected official.
In response to inquiries regarding potential legal action over the threats against her life, she dismissed such efforts as “futile,” stating, “I do not expect fairness from this government.” This reflects her sentiments of discontent with the current political situation
Duterte also raised concerns about her exclusion from a recent NSC meeting, despite her ex-officio membership as the Vice President. “I would like to see a copy of the notice of meeting with proof of service, the list of attendees, photos of the meeting, and the notarized minutes of meeting where the Council, whether present or past, resolved to consider the remarks by a vice president against a President, maliciously taken out of logical context, as a national security concern,” she demanded, showcasing her frustration with perceived marginalization in governmental proceedings.
“Moreover, please submit within 24 hours an explanation in writing with legal basis why the VP is not a member of the NSC or why as member I have not been invited to the meetings, whichever is applicable,” she further insisted, further underscoring her call for transparency and due process within the government. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
**Interview: Analyzing the Political Tensions in the Philippines**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment on political developments in the Philippines. Today, we have a guest who is closely following the unfolding drama surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte’s explosive claims against the Marcos family regarding the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Please welcome political analyst, Dr. Maria Santos!
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Vice President Duterte’s accusations against the Marcos family have sent shockwaves through the political landscape. What do you make of her statement linking the Marcos family to Aquino’s assassination?
**Dr. Santos:** It’s a bold move, and it underscores the deep-seated animosities that still linger from the Martial Law era. By bringing up such a sensitive historical event, Duterte is not just making an accusation—she’s reigniting a long-standing rivalry and drawing public attention to the past actions of the Marcos family. It’s a strategic gamble that can either bolster her political standing or backfire depending on public reaction.
**Host:** Speaking of public reaction, how has the public responded to Duterte’s statements and the Marcos family’s historical involvement in such a pivotal moment of Philippine history?
**Dr. Santos:** There has been a wave of public debate. Many Filipinos, especially those who lived through the Martial Law period, remember the Aquino assassination and the political turmoil that followed. Duterte’s comments have resonated with those who feel that justice was never fully served regarding those events. However, there are also younger generations who may not share the same perspective, leading to a more divided opinion.
**Host:** President Bongbong Marcos Jr. made a recent statement about thwarting “criminal attempts” on his life, which appears to be a reaction to the tensions. What does this say about the current political climate?
**Dr. Santos:** It reflects a climate of fear and urgency within the presidency. Marcos Jr. is clearly on the defensive, suggesting that he feels vulnerable in the face of historical and contemporary criticisms. This situation creates an environment of mutual suspicion, where both sides—Duterte and Marcos—are preparing for potential political confrontations.
**Host:** How does the Marcos family’s historical narrative complicate current political dynamics in the Philippines?
**Dr. Santos:** The Marcos family is simultaneously trying to reclaim and redefine their legacy while dealing with the injustices of the past. The administration has made efforts to rehabilitate the Marcos name in the public eye, but every time an event like this surfaces, it drags their historical indiscretions back into the spotlight. This duality complicates their ability to govern effectively, as they have to navigate public sentiment and historical grievances simultaneously.
**Host:** As we see these tensions unfold, what do you think will be the next steps for both parties involved?
**Dr. Santos:** I anticipate more theatrics as both sides leverage these accusations for political gain. Duterte will likely continue to rally support by invoking the past, while Marcos may seek to solidify his base by presenting himself as a target unjustly attacked. It’s essential for both of them to read the public mood and adapt accordingly. Additionally, the response from key political players and institutions will shape their future moves.
**Host:** It seems we are in for more political drama in the Philippines. Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights!
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** Stay tuned as we keep you updated on this evolving story.