PNP chief reiterates duty to file cases against VP Sara Duterte and others

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil reiterated on Sunday that complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte and others are an exercise of the constitutional mandate to uphold the rule of law.

Marbil emphasized that filing cases against any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, reflects the PNP's duty to enforce the law without fear or favor.

He warned that failing to file cases could lead to public distrust, with people questioning whether the police are afraid and only applying laws to the poor.

Last week, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed charges of direct assault, disobedience to authority, and grave coercion against Duterte and her security group head Col. Raymund Lachica over an incident on Nov. 23 involving the transfer of Office of the Vice President chief of staff Zuleika Lopez.

The QCPD alleged that Duterte and Lachica committed violations of the Revised Penal Code based on video evidence showing Lachica physically assaulting Lt. Col. Jason Villamor, a PNP doctor.

On Saturday, the House allowed Lopez to leave Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) after Duterte's intervention.