Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has determined a 'reasonable certainty of conviction' against Vice President Sara Duterte for inciting to sedition and multiple counts of grave threats. This conclusion follows statements she made during a press conference on November 23, 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a final impeachment hearing by the House Committee on Justice regarding probable cause, the NBI submitted its investigation affidavit. The affidavit detailed alleged death threats made by Vice President Duterte in a virtual press conference against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
NBI lawyer Yentl Malicad stated that the bureau had established the three elements of inciting to sedition: Duterte did not directly participate in sedition but did make seditious statements through speech. NBI agent John Mark Calilung confirmed the authenticity of the press conference video, ensuring it was unedited. Meta preserved the video, which was initially livestreamed by Atty. Harry Roque's account.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cenda±a inquired if the investigation found the vice president's actions to constitute grave threats, which Malicad affirmed. He emphasized that threats to harm or kill are criminal acts, and such behavior is particularly concerning for a public official of Duterte's rank.
The complaint against Duterte includes charges of inciting to sedition and three counts of grave threats. Cenda±a criticized the Vice President's conduct as unbecoming for someone holding her office and aspiring to higher positions. Rep. Chel Diokno questioned whether the NBI identified the person Duterte allegedly contracted, to which NBI Anti-Cybercrime Division Chief Jeremy Lotoc suggested they believe the individual exists.
In a media interview, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez stated that the complaints are under review, with a final resolution pending from prosecutors. FPJ Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe highlighted the global attention the Vice President's threats have drawn, contrasting it with a 2018 case where a teacher faced arrest for similar threats against then-President Rodrigo Duterte.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the 2018 incident and emphasized the seriousness with which the bureau treats threats against public officials. The NBI's decision to file criminal complaints against Vice President Duterte stems from this perspective.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, supporting the third impeachment complaint, described the charges as critical for understanding the Vice President's character. She noted the unprecedented nature of a sitting vice president threatening the president and his wife publicly.
