The Department of Justice (DOJ) has clarified that there is no initiative to designate Vice President Sara Duterte as a terrorist, despite her controversial statements involving President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres addressed the issue in a radio interview on Thursday, emphasizing that the government is not taking any steps to classify the Vice President under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Instead, the focus is on holding her accountable for alleged threats in connection with her viral video.
“Hindi naman po siya dine-designate as a terrorist. Wala pong ginagawang ganyan sa bise presidente,” Andres stated, urging Duterte to avoid preempting government actions.
Duterte was recently subpoenaed to clarify her statements, which the DOJ says could potentially violate provisions of the Revised Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Andres explained that the subpoena allows Duterte to explain her remarks, which include alleged threats to harm others.
The Vice President defended her statements, claiming they were taken out of context and asserting that the investigation is an attempt to target her assets, similar to cases involving other individuals like suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.
Andres refuted this, highlighting Teves’ designation as a terrorist due to his alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings and other acts of violence in Negros Oriental. He reiterated that even threats to commit terrorism are punishable under the law.
Both the DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation assured that due process will be observed in handling the case. Duterte, however, maintained that her remarks were not threats but a response to perceived security concerns.
