NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
House Prosecutor: VP Sara's Threats Should Be Taken Seriously
PHOTO CREDIT: SENATE PH
A House prosecutor on Tuesday said Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should not be dismissed as mere rhetoric, arguing that her position in government and the circumstances surrounding her statements make the remarks a matter of serious concern.
Speaking in an interview on ANC's *Headstart*, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had valid grounds to treat Duterte's statements as a credible threat, citing both her constitutional role and the findings of the agency's investigation.
“Much more, kung alam natin ‘yung magbabanta ay may kapasidad,” Chua said.
He pointed out that the Vice President is first in the constitutional line of succession, making her statements significantly different from those made by an ordinary citizen.
“Alam natin by operation of law siya ang maghahalili kung sakaling may mangyari sa ating Pangulo,” he said.
Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, also cited the record of the Duterte family, particularly the ongoing case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The former president is facing proceedings before the ICC over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his administration's anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors have alleged that the campaign resulted in thousands of killings, including alleged extrajudicial executions. Former President Duterte has denied wrongdoing and challenged the ICC's jurisdiction over the Philippines.
“Makikita naman natin ang record ng pamilya ng ating Bise Presidente. ‘Asan ngayon ang kanyang ama? Ano ang kasong kinakaharap ng kanyang ama? EJK (extrajudicial killing),” Chua said.
Chua made the remarks as the House prosecution continued presenting evidence under the fourth Article of Impeachment against Duterte, which accuses her of making grave threats and inciting to sedition over statements she made on Nov. 23, 2024.
During the impeachment trial, NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc testified that the bureau found **prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction** and recommended the filing of three counts of grave threats and one count of inciting to sedition against the Vice President.
The House prosecution has argued that the NBI's findings, together with video recordings and witness testimony, support its allegation that Duterte's remarks should be viewed as a credible threat rather than political rhetoric.
The impeachment trial is currently focused on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, with both the prosecution and defense continuing to present and challenge evidence before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court.
Speaking in an interview on ANC's *Headstart*, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had valid grounds to treat Duterte's statements as a credible threat, citing both her constitutional role and the findings of the agency's investigation.
“Much more, kung alam natin ‘yung magbabanta ay may kapasidad,” Chua said.
He pointed out that the Vice President is first in the constitutional line of succession, making her statements significantly different from those made by an ordinary citizen.
“Alam natin by operation of law siya ang maghahalili kung sakaling may mangyari sa ating Pangulo,” he said.
Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, also cited the record of the Duterte family, particularly the ongoing case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The former president is facing proceedings before the ICC over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his administration's anti-drug campaign. Prosecutors have alleged that the campaign resulted in thousands of killings, including alleged extrajudicial executions. Former President Duterte has denied wrongdoing and challenged the ICC's jurisdiction over the Philippines.
“Makikita naman natin ang record ng pamilya ng ating Bise Presidente. ‘Asan ngayon ang kanyang ama? Ano ang kasong kinakaharap ng kanyang ama? EJK (extrajudicial killing),” Chua said.
Chua made the remarks as the House prosecution continued presenting evidence under the fourth Article of Impeachment against Duterte, which accuses her of making grave threats and inciting to sedition over statements she made on Nov. 23, 2024.
During the impeachment trial, NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc testified that the bureau found **prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction** and recommended the filing of three counts of grave threats and one count of inciting to sedition against the Vice President.
The House prosecution has argued that the NBI's findings, together with video recordings and witness testimony, support its allegation that Duterte's remarks should be viewed as a credible threat rather than political rhetoric.
The impeachment trial is currently focused on Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment, with both the prosecution and defense continuing to present and challenge evidence before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court.
Jul 14, 2026
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