VICE President Sara Duterte revealed on Tuesday evening that she has been summoned by the Office of the Prosecutor General in connection with an ongoing investigation.
The summons follows the filing of a case against her by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), although the specific nature of the charges remains unclear.
Duterte made the announcement during a chance interview in Sogod, Southern Leyte, following comments on the non-bailable human trafficking charge filed against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
The Vice President’s statement regarding the summons came after she expressed no surprise at the charges against Roque, a known ally of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Roque is accused of involvement in the illegal activities of Lucky South 99 Corp., a scam hub operating in Porac, Pampanga. This juxtaposition of events highlights the ongoing scrutiny facing individuals associated with the previous administration. The timing of the summons to VP Duterte, following the high-profile Roque case, has led to speculation about potential connections or broader investigations.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed the issuance of a subpoena to VP Duterte. He clarified that the subpoena pertains to a preliminary investigation into an alleged threat made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
While the details of the alleged threat remain undisclosed, the confirmation from the NBI director underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the potential legal ramifications for the Vice President. The summons requires VP Duterte to appear before the Office of the Prosecutor General to answer the allegations.
Separately, Senator Imee Marcos has called for an investigation by the Ombudsman into five government officials, alleging their involvement in VP Duterte’s arrest and subsequent transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This separate but related development further emphasizes the ongoing legal and political complexities surrounding the Vice President and her recent activities. The multiple investigations and calls for accountability highlight the intense scrutiny facing key figures in the current political landscape.
