VP Sara Duterte expected to show up as DOJ starts probe May 9

Vice President Sara Duterte Arnel Tacson, INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to appear before the Department of Justice (DOJ) as it begins its preliminary investigation on the case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding the threat to the lives of the President, the First Lady, and the House Speaker.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed that the preliminary investigation is scheduled on May 9 and 16.

A complaint for inciting to sedition and grave threats was filed by the NBI against Duterte after saying, during a live stream press conference that, in case she would be killed, she had already hired someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

READ: NBI files criminal case vs VP Duterte for threatening Marcos

During the preliminary investigation, Duterte will be required to submit a counter-affidavit.

The crime of grave threats penalizes statements that create real and imminent danger to specific persons, regardless of whether actual harm occurs.

The DOJ earlier said the Supreme Court has ruled that what matters in such a case is the intent behind the words—whether they were meant to convey a serious threat or instill fear.

On the other hand, the crime of inciting to sedition penalizes statements that pose a real and imminent threat to public order, regardless of whether actual unrest occurs.

Duterte later denied making any threats against the President, saying she was only highlighting the alleged threat to her life.

She later said her remarks were taken out of context.