Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sparked outrage after suggesting the killing of senators in a bomb blast to create vacancies for his preferred opposition candidates.
Duterte made the shocking remarks during a campaign rally in Manila on Thursday night while endorsing nine opposition senatorial candidates for the upcoming May national elections.
“There’s many of them [senators]. So what should we do? Let’s just kill the senators now so we will have more vacancies,” Duterte said, mixing Filipino and English, to loud cheers from his audience.
He added, “If we can kill about 15 senators, then we can all get into the Senate. That would be a pity though. Some of them are really annoying. But not all.”
Duterte, who is running for mayor of Davao—a position he held for two decades before becoming president—went further by joking about the method of attack. “Talking about opportunities, the only way to do it is to use a bomb,” he said.
His comments have drawn widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about political violence in the Philippines, especially as the country prepares for a heated midterm election.
Echoes of Political Violence
Duterte’s reference to using a bomb has brought back painful memories of the 1971 Plaza Miranda bombing, which occurred during a political rally and killed nine people while injuring dozens, including several senators. The incident remains one of the darkest days in Philippine political history.
Political analyst Antonio La Viña said Duterte’s remarks were “irresponsible and dangerous,” especially in a country with a history of political violence. “He is inciting violence and normalizing a dangerous political culture,” La Viña noted.
Motivation Behind Duterte’s Outburst
Duterte’s comments are believed to be linked to his ongoing feud with incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose allies dominate the Senate. This political battle has intensified following the impeachment of Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Senate, which consists of 24 members, will decide the fate of the younger Duterte, who faces potential removal from office and a lifelong ban from public service. With a two-thirds majority required for conviction, the outcome of the May elections could be pivotal.
Political observers believe Duterte’s fiery rhetoric is aimed at swaying public sentiment and influencing the Senate’s composition in favor of his daughter. “Duterte is clearly campaigning to save his daughter from political ruin,” said political commentator Richard Heydarian.
A History of Threats and Violence
Duterte’s remarks are not entirely surprising given his history of making violent statements. During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, he often threatened public officials, judges, and even police officers. His aggressive rhetoric was central to his controversial war on drugs, which claimed thousands of lives.
Under Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, at least 7,000 people were killed according to Philippine police, while human rights groups estimate the number could be as high as 30,000. Many of the victims were allegedly targeted based on a drug list Duterte publicly disclosed.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently investigating the drug war killings, accusing Duterte of committing crimes against humanity. Duterte has repeatedly dismissed the ICC’s authority, calling it “useless” and “hypocritical.”
Political Feud with Marcos Escalates
Duterte’s recent remarks are the latest in a series of public attacks on President Marcos Jr., whom he accused of using illegal drugs. “He may be a constant user of heroin,” Duterte claimed, without providing evidence.
The two politicians were once allies, having run together in the 2022 elections. Their alliance helped secure a landslide victory, with Marcos becoming president and Sara Duterte serving as his vice president.
However, their relationship soured after allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds surfaced. In November, Sara Duterte shocked the nation by delivering an expletive-filled speech in which she claimed to have ordered an assassination against Marcos if she were ever killed.
She also called Marcos a “weak and incompetent leader” and admitted to once fantasizing about “beheading” him.
Legal Consequences Looming
Following her inflammatory remarks, the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation recommended filing criminal charges against Sara Duterte for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Marcos.
Legal experts believe her trial, expected to occur after the May elections, could determine the future of her political career. If convicted, she could be permanently banned from holding public office.
The outcome of the trial depends heavily on the Senate’s composition, as a two-thirds majority is needed for a conviction. This has raised the stakes for Duterte’s aggressive campaign to get his preferred candidates into the Senate.
Public Reaction and International Concern
Duterte’s controversial comments have sparked outrage both domestically and internationally. Human rights organizations condemned his statements as “dangerous incitements to violence.”
Amnesty International called on the Philippine government to investigate Duterte’s remarks, stating that they “promote political violence and threaten democracy.”
The United Nations has also expressed concern over the escalating political tensions in the Philippines, urging political leaders to exercise caution and avoid inflammatory rhetoric.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
As the Philippines heads towards the May midterm elections, Duterte’s explosive comments have further polarized the political landscape. Analysts warn that the rhetoric could fuel political violence and undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Political scientist Aries Arugay said, “Duterte’s statements are not just campaign rhetoric. They are calculated moves to influence the election and protect his political dynasty.”
With the future of Sara Duterte hanging in the balance and the Senate’s composition at stake, the upcoming elections are expected to be fiercely contested.
A Dangerous Precedent?
Duterte’s remarks have raised questions about the future of Philippine democracy and the normalization of violent political language. Critics fear that his comments set a dangerous precedent, emboldening others to use threats and violence to achieve political goals.
Amid the controversy, Duterte remains unapologetic, continuing to use his signature brash style as a political weapon. Whether this approach will succeed in influencing the Senate’s makeup and saving his daughter’s political career remains to be seen.
As the election campaign heats up, the Philippines finds itself once again at a political crossroads, with the shadows of violence and authoritarianism looming large.
