Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte opted not to attend the first hearing on Wednesday regarding allegations of threats she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing doubts about the fairness of the investigation, reports AP.
Despite being subpoenaed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Duterte sent her lawyer instead. The lawyer submitted a letter in which Duterte strongly denied making any threats that would qualify as “grave threats” under the law.
Second impeachment complaint against Philippine VP over president threat
The controversy stems from a Nov. 23 online news conference where Duterte publicly threatened Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez with death. She later clarified that her comments were an expression of concern for her own safety, alleging that she had received death threats herself.
Tensions between Marcos and Duterte have escalated since their election in 2022. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately, which can result in political rivals occupying the highest offices in the country.
Duterte, 46, is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is under investigation by the International Criminal Court for the deaths of thousands during his war on drugs.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that the preliminary investigation would proceed regardless of Duterte’s presence or the submission of her counter-affidavit. He added that a report would be submitted to the Department of Justice by early January. The investigation, initially scheduled for Nov. 29, was postponed at Duterte’s request.
On Wednesday, Duterte expressed her skepticism about the fairness of the investigation, asserting, “Even if they say there is an investigation, from the very beginning they already decided to file cases.”
She also confirmed she has no intention of leaving the country to evade the complaints and that she and her lawyers are preparing to address the impeachment cases filed against her.
Duterte faces two impeachment complaints for alleged constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, mismanagement of government funds, and issuing death threats against Marcos. Additionally, the House of Representatives is probing the alleged misuse of 612.5 million pesos ($10.3 million) in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to Duterte’s offices as vice president and former education secretary. She has since stepped down from the education role.