The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has tentatively rescheduled the appearance of Vice President Sara Duterte before the Office of the Director on December 11, after she failed to appear on Friday morning.
Earlier this week, the NBI asked Duterte to give her side in connection with her viral video clip, where she said she has contracted someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez should an alleged plot to eliminate her succeed.
In a press conference, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said they received a letter from a lawyer working for the Office of the Vice President (OVP), requesting for the resetting of Duterte’s scheduled appearance.
“Apparently, the Vice President found out late that [her] appearance before the House Committee hearing was cancelled. She was not able to go here and asked for a resetting,” he explained.
The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, chaired by Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, announced on Thursday the postponement of its hearing in connection with the alleged confidential funds disbursed by the Vice President.
Chua added they will also comply with the requests of Duterte, who is asking for a clear copy of the complaint filed against her, the documents initiated in the investigation, and those possible questions that will be asked.
Santiago stressed that they are studying all possible angles of the case such that they still do not have a clear and final charge against her.
Likewise, he underscored that they are investigating the video clip where she mentioned the assassination remarks as well as the death threat claimed by Duterte on her life.
Their mandate is to step in whenever there is a threat to the life of the President and the Vice President, according to him.
Santiago also clarified that the Ombudsman can take over if they found out that the threatening remarks were done because of her office.
