The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte for alleged inciting to sedition and grave threats following her past remarks about hiring someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others if she were assassinated.
In a GMA News Online report, NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed the complaint was submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for evaluation. “We have finally recommended the filing of inciting to sedition and grave threat charges against the Vice President,” Santiago said in a radio interview on Wednesday.
The DOJ will now assess whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a preliminary investigation. “Pending the results of the evaluation, we cannot say anything more for now, in order not to preempt the results and prejudice the rights of any party,” Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon stated.
Duterte, when asked for comment, responded briefly: “As expected.”
The controversy stems from a 2024 online briefing where Duterte claimed she instructed someone to target Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her life succeeded. She later clarified that her statement was not a threat but a way to highlight concerns about her security.
Despite not appearing before the NBI, Duterte submitted a letter denying the allegations. The issue is also included in one of the Articles of Impeachment filed against her.
The NBI emphasized that its investigation was conducted independently and without political influence. “No one dictated or instructed us on what to do. Our findings were based purely on evidence,” Santiago stated.
The DOJ will now determine whether the case merits a formal investigation.
