BACOLOD CITY: The 149-member League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has expressed its support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the First Family in the wake of threats and verbal attacks made by Vice President Sara Duterte against the President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos over the weekend. According to Philippines News Agency, the LCP released a statement on Sunday, which was signed by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, acting national president, and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, national chairman. The statement emphasized the League's unwavering support for President Marcos and his administration, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens above personal disputes. The mayors of the LCP condemned any actions that threaten the stability of the government led by President Marcos. They criticized Duterte's comments as "unbecoming of her office and reckless," warning that such actions endanger the safety of leaders and the peace and security of the nation. The LCP furthe r stated that any suggestion of harm towards the Vice President or retaliation against the President, the First Lady, the Speaker of the House, or any key government official poses a grave threat to democracy and the rule of law. The League also called for the use of public funds by the Office of the Vice President to be addressed appropriately, rather than through divisive conduct. In their statement, the mayors demanded an immediate halt to inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks, urging all parties involved to maintain professionalism, integrity, and respect. They also expressed their unwavering support and prayers for the safety of all public officials, especially the First Family. The LCP concluded by stating that any threats to the security of public officials will be met with the full force of the law, and that the League will not tolerate actions or rhetoric that incite division or violence, or undermine public service.