LANAO del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong has suggested that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may review recent remarks made by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte regarding incumbent senators, emphasizing the serious implications of such statements in a democratic society.
Adiong, a House Assistant Majority Leader, noted that if the NBI investigated similar remarks made by Vice President Sara Duterte concerning President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, it is only appropriate to subject the former president’s statements to the same level of scrutiny.
“In a democracy, words have power—especially when they come from someone who has held the highest office in the land. If certain statements warrant legal scrutiny, it is imperative that all similar declarations be assessed fairly and consistently,” Adiong said.
During a gathering in San Juan City, Duterte spoke about the upcoming elections and the composition of the Senate, suggesting an extreme course of action to secure victories for his allies.
“Anong dapat nating gawin? Eh di patayin na natin ang mga senador para magkaroon ng bakante. Kung makapatay tayo ng 15 senador, makukuha natin silang lahat,” Duterte said, referring to the possibility of replacing incumbent senators with candidates from his party. He then added, “Kung tutuusin, baka ang tanging paraan lang talaga ay pasabugin.”
His remarks were met with loud cheers from his supporters, who responded with chants of “Kill! Kill! Kill!”
Adiong expressed deep concern over these statements, recalling how similarly provocative rhetoric in the past had led to real-world consequences.
“Kung ang pagsabi ng bomb joke ay bawal sa batas at may kaakibat na kaparusahan, lalo na dapat ‘yung banta na magpapatay ka ng 15 senador,” he said.
He noted that while Duterte may later claim his words were spoken in jest, “pero hindi niya puwedeng itago sa joke ang pagbabanta sa mga senador.”
Adiong stressed that statements like these cannot be taken lightly, particularly given the history of Duterte’s followers acting upon his statements.
“We have seen before how rhetoric like this can embolden individuals to take matters into their own hands, often with tragic consequences. When public figures normalize threats of violence, they create a dangerous environment where words can translate into real harm,” he said.
Given this, he urged the NBI to assess whether such remarks, particularly those referencing acts of violence, fall under existing legal provisions.
“In moments like these, our institutions must stand firm in upholding the rule of law. We must ensure that no individual, regardless of position or influence, can erode the principles of democracy and accountability,” Adiong concluded.
