MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte failed to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday after being subpoenaed to explain her verbal threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The NBI subpoenaed the vice president on Nov. 26 over allegations of grave threats and potential violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Duterte expressed intent to request a rescheduling, citing a conflict with a hearing at the House of Representatives on her alleged fund misuse but the committee on good government postponed it to pave the way for the NBI investigation.
NO SHOW
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago looks at his watch as he and the NBI wait for Vice President Sara Duterte at the NBI office in Pasay City on Nov. 29, 2024. The NBI subpoenaed the vice president following ‘kill’ remarks she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., fist lady Liza Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte was a no show but was represented by her lawyer. In a press conference, Santiago said the hearing at the NBI was reset to Dec. 11. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
NBI Deputy Director Jaime Santiago said Duterte’s failure to appear would mean that the agency would forward all its evidence and findings to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which would determine whether charges would need to be filed against the vice president.
The investigation stemmed from Duterte’s controversial remarks during an online press conference on Nov. 23 when she claimed to have made arrangements with someone that if she were killed, “to kill BBM, Liza Araneta and Martin Romualdez.” BBM stands for Bongbong Marcos, the nickname of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady and Speaker.
Speaking in Filipino, Duterte said she told the person “not to stop until he killed them,” to which she quoted the individual as saying “yes.”
Her remarks drew swift condemnation and legal scrutiny
Duterte has since walked back on some of her statements, alleging that the government’s response was an attempt to harass her. She accused authorities of using the Anti-Terrorism Act to oppress her, a law championed by her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, during his administration.
This development adds to the growing rift between Duterte and the Marcos administration, which began in June when she resigned as Education secretary. Duterte has since launched a series of public tirades against Marcos, the first lady and Romualdez.
The DOJ’s next steps will determine whether Duterte faces legal repercussions for her remarks. (endit)
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