The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed issuing subpoenas to members of the media who attended Vice President Sara Duterte's early morning virtual press conference on November 23.
"Sinubpoena po namin ‘yung ilang mga kasama doon sa meeting lalo na po ‘yung mga nagtanong, ‘yung mga nakipag-participate," NBI Director Jaime Santiago said in an exclusive with DZRH's Special on Saturday.
"Yung iba naman po ay nanonood lamang, nakinig lamang. Pero ‘yung mga nagtanong, actively nag-participate ay s[in]ubpoena po namin para malaman po ‘yung katotohanan," he added.
Santiago noted that the individuals summoned include media practitioners and social media vloggers.
He further explained that the subpoenas are necessary to verify whether the Zoom meeting took place and if Vice President Sara Duterte made threats against the President, the First Lady, and the House Speaker.
He added that to expedite the agency's investigation while waiting for Duterte to appear at their office, they are prioritizing media members, inviting at least four individuals per day
Meanwhile, since Duterte failed to appear yesterday for her scheduled compliance with the subpoena issued by the NBI, the panel of investigators convened and rescheduled her appearance to December 11 at 10 in the morning.
Duterte's legal counsel arrived at the NBI office yesterday to submit a letter of excuse, requesting a rescheduling of her appearance.
According to the letter, Duterte was unable to attend due to her commitment to a congressional hearing and the extensive preparations her office is undertaking with it.
"Sabi nga ng abogado ay late na nila natanggap ‘yung abiso ng Congress na hindi matutuloy ang hearing," said Santiago.
"Ang commitment niya [VP Sara] lang ho ay humihingi siya ng kopya ng complaint na isinampa laban sa kaniya at kung maaaring malaman niya in-advance kung ano ang mga itatanong sa kaniya," he added.
Santiago mentioned that they could provide Duterte with a copy of the complaint. However, he clarified that they could not share the questions to be asked in advance.
He assured that one of the questions to be asked of the Vice President would focus on identifying who allegedly made the threat against her, whether she recognized the individual, and if she had any proof.
He also firmly said that the investigation would be impartial and unbiased, emphasizing that it is the NBI's mandate to investigate any threats or assaults against the President, Vice President, and down to Chief Justice.
It was previously stated that if Duterte fails to attend the NBI proceedings again without prior notice, request, or justification for her absence, the NBI will proceed with the investigation, and any findings will be forwarded to the Prosecutor's office.
