President Marcos, Liza off to UAE despite ‘active threat’

MANILA, Philippines — As he faces an “active threat” to his life and amid fresh ouster calls by his critics, President Marcos left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last night for his 31st overseas trip since assuming office, although the visit was shortened. 

A caretaker committee composed of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III will look after the government while Marcos is out of the country for a one-day working visit. 

Amid speculations linking the shortened visit to the assassination threat made by Vice President Sara Duterte and ouster plot rumors, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a recent statement that Marcos had decided to immediately return to the Philippines to resume his personal supervision and inspection of the relief and reconstruction efforts in typhoon-hit areas.

Marcos was expected to arrive in the Middle Eastern country today for what Malacañang described as a trip with “high purpose.” The accompanying delegation has been trimmed to the barest minimum, according to the PCO. 

“While the President’s visit will be short, the goodwill and opportunities it will create will be substantial, resulting in stronger Philippine-UAE relations,” the PCO said. 

Marcos was scheduled to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, an event seen to pave the way for agreements that would deepen the ties and forge cooperation areas between the two countries.

Marcos embarked on the working visit two days after the Vice President revealed that she had asked someone to assassinate the President, First Lady Liza Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez if a supposed plot to kill her succeeds.  

Malacañang described Duterte’s remarks as an “active threat” that should be taken seriously.

In a video statement released yesterday, Marcos vowed to fight off the kill plot and emphasized the need to uphold the rule of law in the country.