The Department of Justice (DOJ) has said that it will continue investigating threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte during an online conference, where she allegedly suggested hiring a hitman to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed first.
Duterte later claimed that her words had been “maliciously taken out of context.” She clarified that she had not intended to threaten anyone.
Justice undersecretary Jesse Andres emphasized that while offenses such as plunder, bribery, and graft are under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman, the DOJ retains responsibility for investigating any threats made against public officials.
“We will not shut up. We will fight for justice, accountability, and the rule of law,” he said.
Andres further confirmed that the DOJ will issue additional subpoenas to individuals who may be connected to the threats made by Duterte.
“Marami kaming i-i-issue na subpoena. ‘Yung mga tao na ‘yun, maaaring mapaaga ang pagpapatawag,” he said.
He added that the investigation will address both the threat made by Duterte and the alleged threat to her life, which she claims to have received.
“Kung ano ‘yung siansabi niyang threat, sana naka police blotter o pinadaan sa Presidential Security (Group) para magkaroon ng follow-up investigation,” he noted.