Ombudsman may take over VP Sara's "kill plot" remarks probe

The Office of the Ombudsman, led by Samuel Martires, has asserted its authority to take over the investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged "kill plot" remarks against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., provided it falls within the Ombudsman's jurisdiction.

Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres stated that the DOJ respects the Ombudsman's prerogative if it decides to assume the probe, emphasizing direct communication with the Ombudsman's office rather than through media.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), currently heading the investigation, confirmed its willingness to cooperate should the Ombudsman take over.

Ombudsman Martires clarified that his office would only proceed if the alleged threats were made in the context of Duterte's official duties as Vice President, not if they were personal.

Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano suggested that Vice President Duterte might be relying on the Ombudsman to take over the NBI probe, noting her absence from the NBI investigation.

Valeriano expressed hope that Duterte's absence was not connected to Ombudsman Martires' statements about the Ombudsman's power to intervene in investigations by other agencies.

He speculated that the Vice President might believe the Ombudsman could save her from the NBI investigation.