THE House Committee on Justice on Wednesday ordered the issuance of a subpoena to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to obtain records related to alleged threats made by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
Committee chair Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas directed the issuance of the subpoena as the panel formally began hearings on the impeachment complaints against Duterte, marking the start of proceedings to determine whether probable cause exists to elevate the case to the Senate for trial.
The motion, introduced by Manila Rep. Joel Chua, seeks certified copies of all records, documents, and photographs gathered in the NBI’s investigation into the alleged threats.
The alleged threats were made during a November 2024 press conference where Duterte said she had ordered an individual to kill President Marcos, the First Lady, and then Speaker Romualdez in the event of her death, drawing public concern and prompting law enforcement investigations.
They form part of the grounds cited in the impeachment complaints, alongside accusations of betrayal of public trust, violations of the Constitution, misuse of confidential funds, and unexplained wealth.
Luistro put the motion to the panel for approval.
“There is a motion to issue a subpoena to the National Bureau of Investigation with respect to the records of an investigation of threats made by the Vice President to the President, to the First Lady, and to the former Speaker. Do I hear a second?” Luistro said.
With no objections raised, the motion was approved.
“Hearing none, the motion is approved. The Committee Secretary is directed to issue the necessary subpoena,” she added.
The subpoena directs the NBI to submit certified copies of all materials gathered during its investigation, which lawmakers will review as part of the committee’s evidence-gathering process.
The justice panel earlier found two impeachment complaints against Duterte sufficient in form and substance and has been authorized to continue hearings even during the congressional recess.
At this stage, the committee is assessing probable cause, not guilt, as any trial will take place in the Senate, which will function as the impeachment court.
