January 7, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to finalize this week its probe on Vice President Sara Duterte’s issuing death threats against President Marcos and submit its report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) by Jan.15.
“We started weighing the evidence and testimonies in our hands. I instructed our team to be meticulous and search for applicable jurisprudence and laws,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago said over radio dzRH. The DOJ has jurisdiction over the NBI.
He said the NBI immediately began reviewing evidence and testimonies as soon as work began on Jan. 2.
“We are mindful that this investigation affects the country’s political atmosphere, so we are proceeding with caution,” Santiago added.
In late November, Duterte appeared live on social media to denounce Marcos and reveal having hired an assassin to kill him, the First Lady and Speaker Martin Romualdez should a supposed plot on her life succeed.
Asked about concerns regarding due process, especially since Duterte did not appear before the NBI despite previous summons, Santiago assured the public that the investigation is apolitical.
“The NBI remains an institution the people can trust. We are apolitical and will perform our duties in accordance with the law. No one can influence or dictate our work,” he said.
Santiago added that Duterte still has the option to voluntarily appear before the NBI, stating that “if she suddenly decides to come forward and provide a sworn statement, she is welcome to do so.”
Santiago also clarified that the bureau did not directly interview the alleged targets of the threats and that it based its findings on their public statements.
Subpoenas were also issued to some media personnel who reported on Duterte’s airing of the threats. “We are not treating members of the media as suspects. We are seeking their assistance,” Santiago said in response to criticism from journalists who received subpoenas.
The NBI will present all gathered evidence, testimonies and findings to the DOJ, leaving the decision to file charges up to prosecutors.
On the identities of individuals allegedly instructed by Duterte to carry out the threats, Santiago said the NBI is still doing some checking.
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