Lawmakers warn Duterte's threat to kill senators could be illegal

A lawmaker warned that former President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to eliminate senators could face serious consequences under Philippine law.

House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong stated that threatening public officials is a crime and can be considered inciting to sedition or grave threats, with potential penalties.

During a recent campaign rally in Manila, Duterte suggested killing 'many senators' in a bomb blast to ensure victory for his party's senatorial slate in the upcoming midterm elections.

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc criticized Duterte’s remarks as dangerous, showing how the Dutertes view political opposition as targets for elimination.

Senators have expressed concern over Duterte's latest violent 'kill joke,' with Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III urging proper authorities to assess if a crime has been committed.

Minority senators questioned why Duterte would make such statements when more pressing issues need attention, and House lawmakers emphasized that even jokes about bombs or killings can lead to serious legal consequences.

Two representatives on Monday criticized Duterte's remark about killing 15 senators, saying such words or jokes should not be normalized, as ordinary people face arrest for similar actions.