Lawyer and former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Wednesday defended Vice President Sara Duterte over an alleged threat case, saying her statements were taken out of context and were not a threat but an appeal for public help.

Panelo made the remarks in response to questions about a video presented by the prosecution, which they claim shows Duterte threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“It’s not even a threat,” Panelo said, noting that a witness had already described Duterte’s remarks as conditional.

“Inamin na nga ng testigo diba, sabi niya conditional… Madaling sabi yung video na yon kapag pinanood mo from the very beginning, walang threat dahil conditional [ang sabi ni Duterte] ‘Kapag namatay ako…’”

He argued that Duterte’s statement was meant to convey fear for her safety and to seek support from the public.

itong sinasabi ni Inday Sara [ay] nagsusumbong siya sa taumbayan na merong threat sa buhay niya at hinihingi niya ang tulong ng taumbayan na kapag pinatay ako, itong mga pinaghihinalaan ko, iganti nyo ako dito,” Panelo said.

“Walang threat. Humihingi siya ng saklolo sa sambayanan,” he added.

Panelo also dismissed claims that Duterte had contracted an assassin, saying there was no evidence to support such allegations.

“Kasi pinipilit nila na nag-contract ng assassin. Sinong kinontrata niya? Wala. Kasama yun sa kanyang expression ng sumbong,” he said.

The issue stems from statements Duterte allegedly made during an online media briefing on Nov. 23, 2024, where she said she had instructed someone to kill Marcos, Araneta-Marcos, and Romualdez if she were assassinated.

“No joke, no joke. Nagbilin na ako, Ma’am. ‘Pag mamatay ako, sabi ko, huwag ka tumigil ha, hanggang hindi mo mapatay sila. And then he said yes,” Duterte said in the video, according to impeachment records.

The alleged assassination plot is cited under the fourth article of impeachment filed against the vice president, which is currently being tackled in proceedings before the Senate.