Vice President Sara Duterte recently stirred intense controversy after openly admitting that she ordered someone to harm President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., should anything happen to her. Despite the uproar, Duterte has stated she has no regrets about her comments.
Speaking at a press conference, Duterte declared, “If I die, I will not die in vain.” She referred to her earlier remarks where she claimed to have hired someone to target Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as a response to a supposed plot against her life.
NBI Launches Investigation
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has taken these statements seriously, opening a formal inquiry into the Vice President’s remarks. A second subpoena was issued for Duterte to appear at the NBI office on December 11, but she did not attend. Instead, her lawyer, Paul Lim, submitted a letter explaining her absence and denying any wrongdoing on her behalf.
Doubts Over Investigation’s Fairness
Duterte expressed skepticism about receiving impartial treatment in the NBI probe. “I don’t think this investigation will be fair,” she said, pointing to President Marcos’ earlier statement condemning any criminal acts. She argued that such remarks already demonstrated bias against her.
The Vice President also shared her belief that legal cases would be filed against her regardless of her participation in the investigation. “From the very beginning, they have already decided to file cases against me,” she asserted.
Impeachment Complaints Filed
The controversy has spilled over into Congress, where two impeachment complaints have been lodged against Duterte:
- First Complaint: Filed by advocacy groups, this complaint accuses Duterte of corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. It has been endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña.
- Second Complaint: Supported by over 70 representatives from various sectors, this complaint alleges betrayal of public trust due to the supposed misuse of confidential funds. The Makabayan bloc endorsed this complaint.
What’s Next?
While the Vice President continues to defend herself, the political and legal challenges she faces are mounting. The NBI investigation, impeachment proceedings, and growing public scrutiny ensure this case will remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
Duterte’s stance, however, remains unyielding. She has made it clear that she stands by her controversial remarks, signaling a fierce fight ahead.
