In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte has been summoned by the Office of the Prosecutor over a case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The charge? An alleged threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The political arena is buzzing with tension as Duterte faces scrutiny for remarks made during a February online press conference. There, she reportedly revealed that she had instructed someone to kill President Marcos, his wife Liza, and his cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were to be assassinated. The statement sparked outrage and led to the NBI filing charges of incitement to sedition and grave threats against her.
Duterte herself confirmed the summons on Tuesday night, stating, “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.” Her words, delivered during a chance interview in Sogod, Southern Leyte, added fuel to the already heated political climate.
NBI chief Jaime Santiago confirmed the subpoena, clarifying that it is part of a preliminary investigation into Duterte’s alleged threat. “The summons was for the case we filed against her regarding the threat she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Santiago said. This move comes as the nation grapples with the implications of such high-stakes accusations.
The timing of the summons is particularly striking. It follows closely on the heels of a non-bailable trafficking charge filed against Duterte’s ally, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, linked to the scam hub Lucky South 99 Corp. in Porac, Pampanga. Duterte herself acknowledged the connection, stating she was “not surprised” by Roque’s legal troubles.
Adding to the drama, Senator Imee Marcos has called for an investigation into five government officials allegedly involved in plans for Duterte’s arrest and potential transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move highlights the deepening rift within the administration and raises questions about the broader political motivations at play.
As Duterte prepares to face the Office of the Prosecutor, the nation holds its breath. The case is not just about legal accountability—it’s a litmus test for the fragile unity of the Philippine government. With every development, the stakes grow higher, and the whispers of power struggles grow louder.
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