THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed that it will not provide Vice President Sara Duterte with a list of questions ahead of her scheduled appearance for questioning regarding her controversial “kill” remark against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago stated that the primary focus of the investigation will be on Duterte’s claim that she contracted someone to kill the President if an alleged plot against her were to succeed, as well as the supposed threat to her life.
“We’re not really giving advance questions,” Santiago said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. “She already knows the main ones – why she made such a threat, why she contacted someone. Those are the usual questions, but we can’t disclose the others.”
Duterte was originally scheduled to appear before the NBI on November 29 to clarify her statement that she had ordered the killing of Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez if she were to be killed. However, her camp requested a postponement, and the hearing has been rescheduled to December 11 to allow her more time to prepare.
Duterte had also requested a copy of the complaint against her, supporting documents, and a list of questions the NBI intended to ask.
According to Santiago, Duterte’s cooperation would be crucial for the NBI to gather more information about the alleged threats against both her and Marcos, whom the agency is mandated to protect.
“If she does not cooperate, we would consider it that she has waived her right to express her reason or justification why she made a threat against the President, First Lady, and Speaker of the House,” Santiago said.
The NBI’s investigation aims to shed light on the seriousness of Duterte’s remarks and determine whether her actions constitute a credible threat.
