From left to right: La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Vice President Sara Duterte, Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun (Facebook)

House Assistant Majority Leaders Jay Khonghun and Paolo Ortega V believe that Vice President Sara Duterte needs some sort of "professional help" following the outlandish threats that she made in a press conference over the weekend. 

Khonghun, of Zambales' 1st district; and Ortega, of La Union's 1st district, were both appalled by the lady official's remarks and as a result called for some intervention in her behalf. 

“Walang matinong tao ang makakaisip, lalo’t gagawa, ng ganitong klaseng pahayag, (No person in his or her right mind would think, let alone make, this kind of statement)," Khonghun, a "Young Guns" bloc member, said. 

“For someone in such a high position to make violent and grotesque threats, even in jest, shows a troubling level of instability,” he noted. 

“Kailangang magkaroon ng masusing psychological assessment upang matiyak kung siya ay karapat-dapat pang maglingkod sa bayan sa ganitong kritikal na posisyon," he said. 

(A thorough psychological assessment is needed to find out whether or not she is worthy of holding such a critical position in public office.) 

In her presser last Friday, Oct. 18, Duterte recounted an incident where she imagined beheading President Marcos, and acknowledged it as a moment that made her realize how toxic their relationship had become. The two were running mates during the 2022 elections. 

Duterte further disclosed that she once sent a message to the President’s sister, Senator Imee Marcos, and warned that if the attacks against her continued, she would dig up the remains of their father, the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and throw it into the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Ortega echoed his fellow Young Guns solon's sentiments and noted the potential dangers and serious implications to Duterte’s remarks. 

“Ang ganitong uri ng marahas at nakakatakot na mga pahayag ay hindi katanggap-tanggap mula sa kahit sino, lalo na sa isang nakaupong Bise Presidente. Malinaw na may malalaking katanungan tungkol sa kanyang estado ng pag-iisip at emosyonal na kalagayan,” Ortega pointed out. 

(This kind of violent and frightening statement is unacceptable, especially from a sitting Vice President. Clearly, there's a big question about her state of mind and emotional status.) 

“We urge the Office of the Vice President to consider seeking professional help for Vice President Duterte, as this behavior is deeply concerning and could have serious consequences for our nation’s leadership,” he added. 

Ortega further said: “The Filipino people deserve leaders who are mentally and emotionally stable, especially during challenging times." 

"Mas makakabuti para sa bansa kung sumailalim si Vice President Duterte sa isang propesyonal na pagsusuri," he said. 

(It would be better for the country if Vice President Duterte undergoes professional assessment.) 

Khonghun said  “We cannot afford to have leaders who let their emotions spiral out of control in such a public and extreme manner."