DOJ reviews legal consequences of VP Sara's statement on Marcos Sr. remains

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is studying the legal consequences of Vice President Sara Duterte's statement regarding the exhumation and disposal of the remains of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. in the West Philippine Sea.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla described the statement as "shocking" and "disturbing," and reiterated that the DOJ is examining the legal aspects, including the possibility of filing cases based on criminal acts.

Vice President Duterte reportedly made the statement in a chat group with Senator Imee Marcos, warning that she would exhume her father's remains if political attacks against her continued.

Duterte criticized Remulla, accusing him of being ignorant about the law and stating there is a difference between talking about desecrating a body and actually doing it.

Remulla retorted that the statement was "shockingly disturbing" coming from someone who has held the position of Secretary of Education.

It is noteworthy that the Vice President's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, permitted the burial of Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in 2016, a decision that drew widespread protests.