She crossed the line this time

Vice President Sara Duterte has crossed the line, House Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V said yesterday.

- By JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

Ortega lambasted Duterte for her "reckless and dangerous" remarks against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez that they would be targeted by an assassin if she were killed.

"This kind of statement is not normal for an official of the government. We should ask, 'Is the Vice President still in (her) right mind?' These words are dangerous, reckless and deeply concerning,” Ortega said.

The lawmaker added Duterte had “crossed the line” with her brazen threat against members of the First Family.

Ortega underscored that Duterte’s statements go beyond mere rhetoric and raise serious doubts about her ability to lead.

“This must be thoroughly investigated if she is serious with what she said. If this is a joke, this is more unacceptable,” Ortega said.

He further slammed the Vice President for showing “lack of judgment unbefitting of a public servant.”

Ortega urged Duterte to reflect on her words and consider stepping back from public duties if her actions continue to harm national unity.

“These kinds of statement do not help the country. Instead of being united, they cause fear and division,” Ortega said.

“If she cannot control her emotion and statement, maybe it is time for her to seek treatment from experts,” he added.

The La Union representative also called on law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate Duterte’s claims of involving an unnamed person in support of the plot.