NBI Bangsamoro Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc takes the witness stand for continuation of a cross-examination during Day 5 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday, July 14, 2026. —Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc told the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday that Vice President Sara Duterte was capable of carrying out her assassination threats against President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez, as prosecutors sought to establish that her remarks constituted grave threats and betrayal of public trust.
On the fifth day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Lotoc stood by the NBI’s finding that the Vice President’s statements were “serious, real and active,” adding that she had both the intent and the capability to execute them.
Lotoc, formerly chief of the NBI’s Cybercrime Division that investigated Duterte’s remarks, testified that investigators found the elements of the crime of grave threats had been satisfied, prompting the bureau to recommend the filing of charges before the Department of Justice.
