Vice President Sara Duterte has been officially summoned to face serious accusations that could rock the Philippines’ political landscape. On Tuesday evening, Duterte confirmed she received a formal summons from the Office of the Prosecutor regarding grave threats and sedition charges filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after she allegedly ordered a hit on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte Confirms Summons During Provincial Visit
“In fact, I also received a summons earlier today from the Office of the Prosecutor regarding the case filed against me by the National Bureau of Investigation,” Duterte told reporters during an impromptu interview in Sogod, Southern Leyte.
The Vice President made this revelation after commenting on trafficking charges filed against her ally, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. She expressed no surprise at Roque’s legal troubles, suggesting both cases were politically motivated.
Serious Allegations of Death Threats
The charges stem from shocking statements Duterte made during an online press conference in November 2024. Investigators say she publicly declared she had instructed someone to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were killed.
NBI officials confirmed that the summons relates to the preliminary investigation of these grave threats. Prosecutors have scheduled the preliminary investigation for May 9 and 16, 2025.
From Threats to Legal Consequences
The NBI filed formal charges of incitement to sedition and grave threats against the Vice President in February 2025 after a lengthy investigation.
According to the NBI, the penalty for grave threats depends on the crime threatened. Since Duterte allegedly threatened murder, which carries a penalty of reclusion perpetua up to 40 years in prison, the consequences could be severe.
Claims of Political Motivation
While Duterte initially stood by her statements, she later claimed they were “maliciously taken out of logical context” and weren’t actual threats. She has consistently portrayed the investigation as politically motivated.
The Vice President skipped all NBI invitations during their investigation, claiming the Marcos administration had predetermined the outcome.
Family Political Drama Intensifies
The legal troubles facing VP Duterte come amid heightened tensions between the Marcos and Duterte political families. In a parallel development, Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, called for an investigation into five government officials allegedly involved in the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte-Sara’s father-to the International Criminal Court.
This complex web of accusations highlights the deteriorating relationship between two of the Philippines’ most powerful political dynasties.
What Happens Next
During a preliminary investigation, prosecutors will determine if the complaint has sufficient evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction before filing it in court.
Duterte has previously stated she is prepared for the “worst case scenario,” including non-bailable charges, impeachment, or even ICC arrest for alleged complicity in crimes against humanity linked to her father’s administration.
As the May 9 preliminary hearing approaches, all eyes remain on this unprecedented case against a sitting Vice President, which threatens to further destabilize Philippine politics.
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