The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the filing of a criminal case against Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations that she threatened to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We have finally recommended the filing of inciting to sedition and grave threats against the vice president,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago said in a radio interview with DZBB on Wednesday.
“We have submitted this to the [Department of Justice] and they will weigh the evidence, whether they will conduct a preliminary investigation on the matter,” he added.
Speaking to reporters through her public relations officer, Duterte simply said the NBI’s decision was “as expected.”
The political situation in the Philippines escalated after Marcos and Duterte won the 2022 elections in tandem. But relations between the two have since deteriorated sharply due to political differences.
Duterte was originally the one who wanted to lead the country, succeeding her father Rodrigo, but she still had to give way to Marcos, who is also the heir of the country’s other president, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Last year, Sara sharply stepped up her criticism against her former ally, accusing him of corruption. Moreover, Duterte promised to organise the assassination of the president. Marcos, using parliamentarians who support him, is trying to organise the prosecution of Duterte. She is accused of misspending more than $10 million.
Despite the many cases against her, Duterte has said she is considering running for president in the May general elections.
