President Ferdinand Marcos on Monday hit back against Vice President Sara Duterte’s kill threat over the weekend, saying that such “a criminal attempt” should not be condoned.

Over the weekend, Duterte accused various government officials of corruption and claimed Speaker Martin Romualdez wanted her dead. She said she had arranged for Marcos, Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to be killed if that happened.

“The statements we have heard in recent days are worrying. There is the reckless swearing and the threat of a plan to kill some of us,” Marcos Jr. said.

“Such a criminal attempt should not be ignored. If it is that easy to plan to kill a President, how can it be done to ordinary citizens?” he continued.

“That is what I will dismiss.”

The Philippine leader also hit out at supposed attempts to prevent duly-elected officials of the government from seeking the truth, noting that the rule of law must be upheld in a democratic country.

“I, as head of the executive department, and all government officials, have a sworn duty to uphold and protect the Constitution and our laws,” Marcos Jr. said. “Therefore, it is wrong to prevent the people’s elected officials from seeking the truth.”

“The truth should not be suppressed.”

A House panel is investigating the confidential fund use of Duterte’s office.

Her outburst against Marcos came after the panel cited her chief of staff Zuleika Lopez in contempt and ordered her transfer to the Correctional Institution for Women.

Marcos said the matter should have been resolved long ago had the Vice President acted on her sworn duty as a public servant to reveal the truth and not divert the issue.

“Instead of a straight answer, they are diverting the chicheria story,” he said.

VP Sara Duterte finally takes truth oath in House panel inquiry into confidential funds

As head of the Executive branch and longtime former legislator, the President said he respects the mandate of Congress as an independent branch of government.

“I have also served in both houses of Congress for twelve years. I am aware of the power bestowed upon them by the people and our Constitution. Therefore, I respect their work as an independent branch of our Republic,” he said.

Marcos called on officials to respect the law as he warned that he would not let any attempt to let the country be brought down by dirty politics.

“Despite the criticism, my focus is on governance. But we will not compromise the Rule of Law. The law must prevail in any situation, whoever is affected. That is why I will not let the desire of others to drag the entire country into the mire of politics succeed,” he said.

“Let us respect the process. Let us uphold the law. Let us remember the mandate entrusted to us by millions of Filipinos.”