The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday served a new subpoena for Vice President Sara Duterte to explain the alleged threat she made against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta and House Speaker Martin Romualdez
Also being summoned is her staff who moderated the online press conference and the media who were present including former press secretary Trixie Angeles.
The NBI explained that those invited are not considered suspects but as resource persons in the investigation.
The NBI had already summoned the Vice President last week over the same issue, but agreed to reset the hearing to Dec. 11 after Duterte requested for a new schedule.
Meanwhile, an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) vowed to continue their probe of the Vice President despite being told to “shut up” by Ombudsman Samuel Martires.
Martires’ statement was a reaction to Andres’ earlier pronouncement that Duterte “is not immune from suit and can be subject to any criminal and administrative case” and that it is within the Ombudsman’s authority to act on the matter.
Andres said his statement was taken out of context, as he was only explaining that the Ombudsman can take over the jurisdiction of any cases under its mandate, such as graft, plunder, bribery, and other offenses committed by public officials.
“All matters concerning the personal acts of the vice president are not within the Ombudsman’s authority but under the jurisdiction of the DOJ,” he said in an interview with Teleradyo.
In a statement last Sunday, the Ombudsman denied having bad blood with the DOJ in connection with the investigation of the Vice President.
“We are not arguing with (the DOJ)…. Even if the NBI is now investigating the acts of the Vice President, we can take over the jurisdiction,” he added.
Martires clarified the Ombudsman could investigate if the threats were made in the course of Duterte’s duties as Vice President.
The jurisdiction of the Ombudsman is to investigate cases related to anti-graft practices and all offenses under the revised penal code relating to Republic Act 3019 and offenses committed in relation to office.
“Someone told me he wanted to talk to me. I do not hold grudges and I am not even angry at him,” Martires said.
He dismissed allegations that he was favoring the Vice President since his father, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, had appointed him to his post
“What are they saying that I was an appointee of Digong. That”s true, as well as to the other deputies. We are just doing our job. That is unfair to accuse us. We are serving the public,” he said.
