A top Department of Justice (DOJ) official called out Vice President Sara Duterte’s taunting attitude towards the country’s justice system and her apparent predisposition to taking justice into her own hands after she refused to attend another appointment at the National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday.
DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres said the Vice President’s reluctance to fully cooperate with the bureau’s ongoing investigation into death threats she openly made against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez only serves to deprive her of the opportunity to avoid culpability.
“If she only went to the NBI, she could have given the correct context to her previous statement. I think she has a different view, that she can actually make good of her threat because in her view, justice is something we can take in our own hands instead of going through the lawful process,” he said.
“Due process is being afforded her. I do not understand why she does not want to be part of the process which could possibly exculpate her or get her out of criminal liability,” the undersecretary added.
Andres stressed that the DOJ is committed to evaluating the Vice President’s case fairly, and it is unfortunate that she refuses to contribute to her possible exoneration by rebuffing the NBI’s subpoena.
Furthermore, he said that Duterte could still expect equitable treatment even if a case is filed by the NBI at the DOJ and a preliminary investigation is called for by prosecutors.
It can be recalled that Duterte cited her lack of confidence in the NBI as among the reasons for her skipping Wednesday’s inquiry.
The Vice President also said that the meeting coincided with a previously scheduled thanksgiving activity at the Office of the Vice President.
Instead, she sent a letter to NBI Director Jimmy Santiago explaining her position in the controversy.
However, the DOJ official pointed out that the letter sent by the Vice President to the NBI to explain her side of the issue was sorely insufficient as notarized affidavits are required during preliminary investigations.
“When we enter into a preliminary investigation, it is essential that she give a sworn statement so that the statements will be accountable because any statement given under oath which is false is punishable also for perjury and other criminal offenses,” Andres explained in a mixture of Filipino and English
“We assure our Vice President and all our countrymen that the Department of Justice will always remain fair and equitable in our evaluation whether we need to file a case or not. Take note of all the reforms within the DOJ in the last two years, everything is centered on upholding human rights, the primacy of human rights and the observance of the rule of law,” he added.
Moreover, Andres said the NBI’s involvement in the matter also stands to benefit Duterte, who earlier said that the “kill” remarks she made against the First Couple and House Speaker was motivated by an existing threat on her own life. As this developed, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to protect the Vice President and other top government officials.
This follows reports of Duterte’s letter to AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., stating she would no longer accept replacement personnel if the military component of her security team is recalled.
On Thursday, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that protecting the President, Vice President, and other dignitaries is a core mandate and assured that the Vice President’s security will not be compromised, regardless of her stance on replacements.
“It is our mission at the Presidential Security Command to protect the President, the Vice President, and other dignitaries from harm and embarrassment. And with this mission, we have to fulfill it to the letter,” she said.
