Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. — Request photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Saturday issued a scathing rebuke of Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent threats against President Marcos, calling her “erratic and disturbing behavior” and appealing to people in her inner circle to help curb her outburst .

“I urge those close to her — those who truly care about her as a person and as a leader — to advise her to refrain from making these unpleasant and possibly criminal statements in public. They do not benefit the vice president, her office, or our country.” Escudero said in a statement.

“If she is struggling, I sincerely hope she seeks and receives the help she may need so that she can regain her composure and calmness and properly fulfill her duties as vice president,” the Senate leader added.

READ: Solons react to Sara’s “kill order” video: VP needs psycho evaluation

The country’s third-highest government official said she found Duterte’s rants against Marcos in the wee hours of Saturday “deeply troubling because they are unbecoming of an official occupying the country’s second-highest office.”

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

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Imee can help “negotiate”

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

“The vice president and her allies must also consider how her actions have contributed to rising tensions. I urge all parties involved to de-escalate the situation to prevent further damage to the safety, health and well-being of all involved,” Escudero said.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Sen. Imee Marcos can play an important role in resolving the conflict between her brother and the vice president.

Since she is a close friend of Duterte, “she can negotiate between the two camps. Maybe she could initiate a step to reduce the political tension,” Estrada said in an interview on dwIZ.

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

On the phone with Lopez

According to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a close ally of the Duterte family, Sen. 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 flare-up of tensions.

“In fairness to Senator Imee, she is also concerned about the situation. In fact, we called her because (Lopez) was looking for her,” Dela Rosa said.

– They could talk to each other. (Lopez) calmed down after she talked to Sen. Imee,” he said.

Dela Rosa said he found nothing wrong with the vice president’s recent remarks against the president and his allies in the House.

“If you were in her situation, will you tolerate (what they are doing to her)? Her behavior may be inappropriate, but she is just a human being who feels pain and anger,” the senator said.