Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said it is up to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into allegations of a supposed assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following claims raised during the House impeachment hearing.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said probe bodies are mandated to act on such threats.
“Hindi na po kailangang mag-utos ng pangulo para imbestigahan ito. Ang NBI po ay may obligasyon na imbestigahan ito,” Castro said.
[Translation: The president does not need to order an investigation. The NBI has the obligation to investigate this.]
Castro said Malacañang has no personal knowledge of the alleged plot, which was raised by self-confessed Duterte aide Ramil Madriaga during the proceedings.
“Hindi na nga po bago ito, ang pagbabanta sa buhay ng pangulo,” Castro said.
[Translation: Threats to the president’s life are nothing new.]
Madriaga told the House committee on justice that former President Rodrigo Duterte and some retired military officials had discussed plans to unseat Marcos, including “extraordinary measures” such as assassination, coup d’etat, and civil unrest if he refused to step down.
Madriaga said there was a supposed agreement for Marcos to leave office early to allow Vice President Sara Duterte to assume the presidency, an allegation Malacañang has not confirmed.
