Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. —Photo Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Saturday rebuked Vice President Sara Duterte’s latest threats against President Marcos, denouncing his “erratic and troubling behavior” and calling on those around him to to help control it. splinters.

“I urge those who are close to her – those who truly care about her as a person and as a leader – to advise her to refrain from making these indecent, even criminal, statements in public. This does not benefit the Vice President, her office, or our country,” Escudero said in a statement.

“If she experiences difficulty, I sincerely hope that she will seek and receive the assistance she may need to regain her calm and composure and properly carry out her duties as vice president,” added the leader of the Senate.

READ: Solons Reacts to Sara’s ‘Kill Order’ Video: VP Needs Psychological Evaluation

The country’s third-highest government official said she found Duterte’s diatribes against Marcos in the wee hours of Saturday “deeply concerning as they are inappropriate for a public official holding the country’s second highest office.”

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As a top government official, Duterte has a responsibility to be a good example for all Filipinos, especially the youth, and thus consider the public interest in his actions, he added.

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Imee could help “negotiate”

Like all other public officials, Escudero said the vice president should always consider the public interest in all her actions.

“The Vice President and her allies must also reflect on how her actions have contributed to increased tensions. I call on all parties involved to de-escalate the situation in order to avoid further harm to the safety, health and well-being of everyone involved,” Escudero said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Senator Imee Marcos could play a vital role in resolving the conflict between her brother and the vice president.

Being a close friend of Duterte, “she can negotiate between the two camps. Maybe she could initiate a move to ease political tensions,” Estrada said in an interview on dwIZ.

“I just pray that they reconcile because people will be affected,” Estrada said.

On the phone with Lopez

According to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a close ally of the Duterte family, Senator Marcos actually spoke on the phone with Zuleika Lopez, the Vice President’s chief of staff, whose detention in the House of Representatives mainly triggered the latest outbreak of violence. tensions.

“To be fair to Senator Imee, she is also concerned about the situation. We actually called her because (Lopez) was looking for her,” Dela Rosa said.

“They were able to talk to each other. (Lopez) became calm after speaking with Senator Imee,” he said.

Dela Rosa said he found nothing wrong with the vice president’s latest statements against the president and his House allies.

“If you were in his situation, would you tolerate (what they do to him)? Her conduct may be inappropriate, but she is just a human who feels pain and anger,” the senator said.