Vice President Sara Duterte is under active investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on possible Republic Act No. 11479, sometimes referred to as the Anti-Terrorism Law, infractions. The investigation results from contentious comments she made during an online news conference that attracted a lot of public and political interest. On Wednesday, Jesse Andres, undersecretary of the Department of Justice, confirmed the continuous investigation underlining the rigorous application of due process.
The inquiry started following a video with Duterte becoming viral. Appearing clearly disturbed, the Vice President said on the video that if she were killed she had instructed someone to “kill the President, First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez”. Given their weight and ramifications for national security, these remarks set off concern.
Duterte later stated that her remarks were “taken out of their logical context,” but the DOJ has not wavered in its quest of an extensive investigation.
The Legal Ground
Undersecretary Andres said the comments made by the vice president might fit Section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Law. Particularly in cases of intimidation, seed of terror, or disturbance of public order, this component punishes acts meant to inflict death or serious harm, or those endangering lives.
“Lawwise, any act threatening or endangering another person’s life qualifies as terrorism,” Andres said. Furthermore, he said, threats aimed at the President have more weight since they relate to national security.
The DOJ also noted that Andres indicated there was proof Duterte had already started acting on her threats, showing her actions may transcend words.
Denying the accusations, Vice President Duterte said the probe was “a tactic to access my assets and properties.” She maintained in a press conference that claims of breaking the Anti-Terrorism Law are unfounded and politically driven.
She also underlined the possible consequences should charges be made under this statute. “Your passport will be canceled, your name will be on Interpol’s red notice, and you will be subject to anti-money laundering fines. Your assets and properties will freeze under them, hence you cannot access or spend money from them,” she stated.
Duterte and the public have been reassured by both the DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that the inquiry will be carried out objectlessly. Andres also stressed that there will be careful examination of the issue devoid of shortcuts or harassment.
Andres added, “We only file criminal charges if there is enough evidence.” “The process will be fair irrespective of the position or power of the individual.”
Retired Judge Jaime Santiago, NBI Director, also mentioned that the matter would be handled by a specialist panel of attorneys. The probe will also look at threats directed against Duterte, therefore guaranteeing that every element of the issue is covered.
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Wider Consequences
This probe coincides with a House of Representatives examination of the Office of the Vice President’s use of private monies. According to DOJ officials, they are closely observing the procedures and will act should proof of corruption or public fund abuse be discovered.
Undersecretary Andres underlined that the DOJ’s agenda goes beyond threats and sedition. “If there is evidence of fund abuse or corruption as a public official, it will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly,” he stated.
Reactions on the matter have been conflicted. While some have praised the DOJ for making public officials answerable under the law, others have questioned if the probe is politically driven. Duterte allies have also urged that the emphasis move to addressing urgent national problems.
The case is likely to become a major test of the nation’s will to preserve the rule of law and guarantee responsibility regardless of political position as the inquiry progresses.
Following Actions
The Vice President has been given a subpoena to formally clarify her comments, hence her participation with the NBI will be very important in determining the result of the case. While the DOJ and NBI develop their case according to the terms of the Anti-Terrorism Law, her defense team is likely to debate the background of her remarks.
The inquiry promises to be a significant chapter in Philippine politics given Duterte’s reputation and political career may be on the line.
