Adiong calls NBI to probe Duterte's violent remarks against senators

Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong has called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate former President Rodrigo Duterte's recent remarks suggesting violent action against senators during a rally in San Juan City.

Duterte made jokes about killing 15 senators to create vacancies for PDP-Laban candidates, which was met with cheers from his supporters.

The NBI has expressed openness to investigating the matter but only if the affected senators file complaints.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago noted that such remarks are political rhetoric and emphasized that times have changed since Duterte's presidency.

Santiago also clarified that the NBI cannot launch a motu proprio investigation unless key government officials or the senators themselves initiate action.

The case is now with the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will determine the next steps following complaints filed by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).