President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. & First Lady Liza Depart for UAE Despite ‘Active Threat’
BONGBONG MARCOS – President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza have departed for the UAE, pressing forward with their diplomatic mission despite facing an ‘active threat’ to their safety.
In the face of an “active threat” to his life and growing calls for his ouster, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last night on what was intended to be a one-day working visit. This marks his 31st overseas trip since taking office, although this visit has been notably shortened.
To ensure the continuity of governance while he is away, a caretaker committee has been established, led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III. Their role will be to oversee government affairs during Marcos’ brief absence.
Speculation surrounding the shortened trip has linked it to recent assassination threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte, as well as rumors of a plot to oust the President. However, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) addressed these concerns, stating that Marcos decided to cut his visit short to return to the Philippines and resume overseeing relief and reconstruction efforts in the wake of recent typhoons. According to the report, the President’s decision was made to ensure personal involvement in the ongoing recovery operations, which remain a priority.
Despite the shortened nature of the visit, the PCO emphasized the trip’s importance, describing it as one with “high purpose” and one that would strengthen Philippine-UAE relations. Marcos was scheduled to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. This meeting is expected to pave the way for new agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and fostering cooperation in key areas between the two nations.
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The President’s overseas trip comes just days after Vice President Duterte publicly revealed that she had allegedly sought an assassination attempt on Marcos, his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez, should a plot against her life succeed. Malacañang labeled the threat as one that should be taken seriously, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
In a statement released just prior to his departure, Marcos reiterated his resolve to combat any threats against his life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the rule of law.