MANILA, Philippines — The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte poked holes in the investigation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into the veep’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the impeachment trial’s 4th day on July 13.
The NBI forwarded its complaint to the Department of Justice on January 30, 2025, alleging that Duterte’s violation constituted three counts of grave threats and one count of inciting to sedition. But in a certification dated February 5, 2025, the DOJ returned the NBI’s recommendation and said it lacked necessary evidence.
“So, if the NBI did an investigation and sought witnesses, why did the DOJ return the complaint?” defense lawyer Mark Vinluan asked.
On July 14, the NBI did not find relevant threats against Vice President Sara Duterte’s life. NBI Bangsamoro chief Jeremy Lotoc says the Office of the Vice President ‘did not provide any information’ that can help them in their investigation.
“When we checked the security issue, your honor, the only relevant information that we discovered was the removal of 75 personnel from the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, if I’m not mistaken,” Lotoc added.
