Jakarta: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on Monday that he will not allow 'dirty politicking' to undermine Southeast Asia, marking his first public reaction to a controversial statement by his deputy, Vice President Sara Duterte. In a video statement, the 72-year-old president emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in a democratic country, asserting that "The truth cannot be killed." He also suggested that the ongoing political drama could be resolved if the parties involved addressed lawmakers' legitimate inquiries. According to Anadolu Agency, the president's comments follow Vice President Duterte's alarming claim made on Friday. Duterte alleged that she had arranged for an assassin to eliminate President Marcos, his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of her death. "I have talked to someone. I told him that if I am killed, he should kill (Marcos), Liza Araneta, and Martin Romualdez. No joke. I already left instructions," Duterte declared in Filip ino. She further accused Romualdez, who is President Marcos's cousin, of viewing her as the "biggest threat" to his ambitions for the 2028 presidential elections. The vice president's remarks have intensified scrutiny in the House of Representatives, where Speaker Romualdez has halted special funds allocated to Duterte's office. Romualdez is reportedly seen as maneuvering for a future presidential bid. In response to these developments, President Marcos reiterated the importance of Congress as an 'independent branch' of government. "I won't compromise the rule of law, which should be applied to everyone," he affirmed, reminding government officials of their duty to protect the nation and the Constitution. The political alliance between Marcos and Duterte, which secured them a six-year term following the 2022 presidential elections, has frayed in recent months. This discord led to Duterte's resignation from her Cabinet position as the education secretary.