Vice President Sara Duterte's 2024 statements alleging she hired a hitman to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez are being scrutinized as both criminal acts and impeachable offenses.

House prosecutors, led by private attorney Amando Virgil Ligutan, argue that Duterte's remarks during press conferences constitute betrayal of public trust and a culpable violation of the Constitution.

Ligutan cited evidence from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent Mark Calilung, who investigated the alleged threats, to demonstrate Duterte's intent to harm the President.

The prosecution claims Duterte's statements were part of a pattern showing a clear plan to assassinate key officials, with her remarks on November 23, 2024, being the culmination of previous threats.Ligutan emphasized that Duterte's public admission of hiring a hitman is unprecedented and breaches public trust.

Defense counsel Carlo Narvasa requested time to cross-examine witnesses, while Senate impeachment court presiding officer Senator Francis Escudero ensured the process adhered to procedural rules.

The case highlights the legal and ethical implications of public officials making threats against the President, raising questions about accountability and the rule of law.