VP Sara Duterte asks DOJ to drop complaint over death threat remarks

Vice President Sara Duterte has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to dismiss a complaint filed over her remark that she ordered someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others if she dies.

Duterte personally attended the preliminary investigation on Friday, submitting a counter-affidavit explaining why the complaints against her should be dismissed.

Lawyers for Duterte declined to provide further details about their defense strategy, citing respect for the legal process and ensuring that prosecutors are not influenced by outside factors.

In an online press briefing in 2024, Duterte stated she ordered someone to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if a plot against her succeeds.

When asked about the proceedings, Duterte's lawyer Michael Poa said they do not want to politicize the matter further and emphasized it is a legal process.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla assured that due process will be accorded to Duterte, stating this is the bare minimum expected.

The next preliminary probe is scheduled for May 16.