The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to submit its recommendation to the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the controversial 'death threat' made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan on Wednesday, NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that the bureau had officially concluded its investigation and is set to submit its recommendation to the DOJ on Thursday morning.
Santiago did not disclose the details or content of the recommendation, stating that it is now up to the DOJ to determine whether formal charges will be filed against Duterte after reviewing and assessing the NBI’s findings.
“Isu-submit po namin sa DOJ at bahala ang DOJ mag-weigh ng aming mga sinasabi doon kung magfi-file ba ng kaso o hindi,” Santiago stated.
“Basta’t kami, ‘yung recommendation po namin ay isu-submit po namin sa kanila [DOJ]” he added.
He further stated that the recommendation consists of 18 pages, along with 50 pages of annexes, which they expect the Prosecutor to carefully review.
Meanwhile, Santiago clarified that no charges were recommended against any media or vlogger personalities following the investigation.
Earlier reports indicated that the NBI summoned media personnel and vloggers who attended the Zoom meeting during Duterte's media briefing, where she allegedly made the threatening remarks.
The NBI Director explained that the agency merely sought their assistance, as they only served as resource persons and will not face any charges.
In the controversial virtual press conference last November, Duterte stated that she had arranged for someone to kill President Marcos Jr., House Speaker Romualdez, and the First Lady if an alleged plot against her were to succeed.
Malacañang promptly recognized the statement as an 'active threat' and called on the Presidential Security Group for urgent and proper action.
President Marcos previously emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law while expressing concern over the alarming statements, including the reckless use of profanity and threats of planned assassinations.
"Iyang ganyang kriminal na pagtatangka ay hindi dapat pinapalampas. Iyan ay aking papalagan," Marcos said in a video message
"As a democratic country, we need to uphold the rule of law," he added.
