VP Sara Duterte files counter-affidavit in sedition case

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla expressed hope that Vice President Sara Duterte would attend the resumption of the preliminary investigation on Friday regarding a sedition complaint filed against her by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Despite being allowed access for security purposes ahead of the investigation, Duterte personally attended the proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on May 9 and filed her counter-affidavit in response to the NBI's charges.

The case involves expletive-laden statements made by Duterte during an online briefing in November last year where she allegedly threatened to hire an assassin if an assassination plot against her were to succeed.

Duterte arrived at the DOJ around 2 p.m., and clarified that her 'assassination' statement was not a threat, saying it only highlighted the alleged threat to her security.

The DOJ is looking into the inciting to sedition and grave threats complaint filed by the NBI, with Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon deciding whether to indict Duterte or dismiss the case. The next hearing will be on May 16.