Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing sedition and unlawful utterance charges filed by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) after his recent statement suggesting the killing of 15 incumbent senators.
In a PhilStar Global report, PNP-CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III emphasized the seriousness of Duterte’s remarks, stating that such statements should not be taken lightly. The complaint was submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ), and a case build-up is underway in accordance with DOJ policies.
Despite the charges, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago downplayed the need for a probe, labeling Duterte’s remarks as “political rhetoric” during an election campaign. However, Torre argued that these types of statements contribute to violence and disorder, citing past instances where Duterte’s words led to real-world consequences.
No sitting senator has formally filed a complaint against Duterte, but Torre, acting as both a citizen and a law enforcer, decided to initiate legal action. He warned that Duterte’s statements could be taken literally by his supporters, referencing the deadly consequences of his past rhetoric on drug-related killings.
Duterte’s former legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, dismissed the charges as “foolish,” while senators expressed mixed reactions. Some lawmakers called for an investigation, while others, including Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla, dismissed Duterte’s statement as a mere joke.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ would act if senators themselves file complaints, differentiating Duterte’s remarks from Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent threats, which directly named individuals.
The case will undergo preliminary investigation, allowing Duterte to respond before further legal action is taken.
