Malacañang on Wednesday said the alleged assassination threat made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. should not be viewed as a simple case of grave threats, stressing that the matter involves 'national security.'

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro rejected the argument of Duterte’s defense team before the Senate impeachment court that the Vice President’s remarks during a November 2024 online press briefing were merely a response to questions and did not amount to a threat.

“Hindi ito simpleng grave threats, ito ay mayroong kaugnayan sa national security ng ating bansa,” Castro said during a press briefing.

Castro said the alleged threat is a serious security concern because it involves the life of the country’s sitting president, who is the head of state.

She also disputed the defense panel’s claim that Duterte’s statements were not directed at President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

According to Castro, the prosecution’s presentation before the Senate impeachment court included evidence and testimony alleging that Duterte had an agreement with another person to kill the President, the First Lady, and Romualdez.

The Palace official said the issue goes beyond the legal classification of grave threats because the alleged target was the highest-ranking official of the Philippine government.