THREE House leaders on Wednesday said the decision of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to recommend the filing of charges of inciting to sedition and grave threats against Vice President Sara Duterte will definitely strengthen the impeachment case against the beleaguered public official.
House Assistant Majority Leaders Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Party-list and Ernix Dionisio of Manila and Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega of La Union said the NBI recommendation, stemming from her alleged statements threatening President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and other officials, will help House prosecutors convict VP Duterte.
“Well, first and foremost, this is a positive development, especially in relation to the impeachment case filed against the Vice President. So, it would really strengthen our position that indeed the Vice President committed criminal acts such as grave threats and inciting to sedition, which the National Bureau of Investigation has found out that there is indeed sufficient evidence against the Vice President,” Bongalon said.
“The NBI’s recommendation provides substantial support to the impeachment case, as it highlights the severity of the allegations against VP Duterte,” Bongalon stated.
“This move by the NBI underscores the importance of accountability at the highest levels of government, especially if that accountability is criminal in nature. It is imperative that our leaders uphold the law and maintain the trust of the people,” Dionisio said.
“Ang rekomendasyon ng NBI ay nagpapakita ng bigat ng mga paratang laban kay VP Duterte. Dapat lamang na managot ang sinumang posibleng lumalabag sa batas, lalo na ang mga nasa mataas na posisyon,” Dionisio further said.
“Actually, kanina nga when I opened my cell phone, nakita ko na nagpa-file ang NBI. Ako naman, I trust our agency, the men and women of NBI would always do their job. Inaalam nila at sinusuri nila lahat ang bagay before filing. So I think it gives the question of ano ba ang nahanap ng NBI para mag-udyok sa kanila na mag-file na. There’s a possibility that they found evidences and probably people behind such threats. So kudos to NBI, we salute you in doing your job. We hope that we get to the bottom of it sa mga men and women of NBI, we salute you,” Dionisio said.
Ortega echoed these sentiments, stating the NBI’s findings reinforce the need for a thorough and impartial impeachment trial.
“The charges recommended by the NBI are serious and warrant a comprehensive examination during the impeachment process,” Ortega said, adding that the NBI’s investigation was expected. “Expected po talaga ‘yun kasi hindi ko nga po alam kung paano nila ide-deny ‘yun kasi kitang-kita po naka-live, mayroon pong video. So kitang-kita po na may pagtatangka sa buhay ng ating Pangulo by the Vice President.”
“This development should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and our democratic institutions must function without fear or favor,” Ortega added.
“Ang mga rekomendasyon ng NBI ay nagpapatibay sa ating panawagan para sa isang patas at masusing paglilitis sa impeachment. Walang sinuman ang dapat na higit sa batas,” he said.
The NBI’s recommendation is based on statements made by VP Duterte in November 2024, where she allegedly spoke about instructing an assassin to target President Marcos and his family if harm were to come to her. Duterte has denied making such threats, asserting that her remarks were taken out of context.
The impeachment complaint against the Vice President includes allegations of corruption, betrayal of public trust and other high crimes. The NBI’s findings add weight to these accusations, potentially influencing the proceedings in the Senate.
“This is a pivotal moment for our nation’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. The evidence presented must be scrutinized meticulously to ensure that the truth prevails,” Dionisio emphasized.
Ortega concurred, stating, “Our duty is to uphold the Constitution and ensure that any violations are addressed appropriately. The NBI’s recommendation is a crucial step in this process.”
“Tungkulin natin na pangalagaan ang ating Saligang Batas at tiyakin na ang anumang paglabag ay nararapat na maparusahan. Mahalaga ang naging hakbang ng NBI sa prosesong ito,” he added.
