FORMER National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago, who headed the inquiry into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez, has expressed his full willingness to appear before the Senate Impeachment Court.
In a statement, Santiago confirmed he does not object to being called as a witness, saying: “There is no subpoena, (but) it’s OK if I am subpoenaed!” His availability adds a key resource to the proceedings, given his direct oversight of the agency’s initial investigation.
Santiago led a six‑member panel throughout 2024 and 2025 to evaluate whether the vice president should face criminal charges over her remarks made on November 23, 2024. During that statement, Duterte claimed she had hired an assassin to target the three officials should anything happen to her.
The issue now forms the core of Article IV in the impeachment complaint, which accuses her of grave threats, inciting sedition, and betraying public trust. Following its review, the NBI filed formal complaints for grave threats and inciting to sedition in February 2025—findings that the panel reached unanimously. These cases remain pending resolution at the Department of Justice.
The matter has drawn closer scrutiny during the ongoing trial, as defense lawyers recently questioned gaps in the NBI’s inquiry while cross‑examining Senior Agent John Mark Calilung, who handled the case. Counsel pointed out that the complaint did not include affidavits from the alleged targets of the threats. Calilung clarified that the investigation began motu proprio, or on the bureau’s own initiative, without requiring formal complaints from the parties involved. When asked to respond to these observations, Santiago declined further comment, noting: “I am listed as one of the witnesses at the impeachment. I will not speak for now about the investigation we made.” Earlier, however, he had publicly stated that Duterte’s remarks were seditious and could incite her supporters to oppose the administration.
Legal analysts have also weighed in on the strategic direction of the trial. Law expert Ralph Sarmiento warned that the defense’s focus on the context of the vice president’s remarks carries risks.
He explained that raising issues such as the alleged “Operation Romanov”—a supposed surveillance program against Duterte—opens the door for senator‑judges to demand evidence and details about that claim. Meanwhile, constitutional law expert Domingo Cayosa emphasized that the proceedings must remain focused on uncovering facts rather than grandstanding or procedural delays. “The impeachment trial should reveal the truth, and prevent any delay or technicality,” he said, stressing the public’s interest in a fair and transparent process.
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