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NBI Probe Faces Scrutiny At VP Sara Impeachment Trial
SCREENGRAB FROM SENATE PH
The National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged threats came under intense scrutiny during Monday's Senate impeachment trial, as senator-judges questioned both the accuracy of official documents and the bureau's handling of the case.
NBI BARMM Regional Director Atty. Jeremy C. Lotoc, the House prosecution's second witness under Article IV of the impeachment complaint, faced questions from several senator-judges while explaining the bureau's investigation into Duterte's November 23, 2024 online press conference.
One of the issues raised during the hearing involved a discrepancy in the dates appearing on the NBI's investigation documents.
Senator-Judge Imee Marcos pointed out that both the Affidavit of Investigation and the subpoena issued to Duterte bore the date November 6, 2024, even though the statements under investigation were made on November 23, 2024.
Lotoc acknowledged the discrepancy and clarified that the date on the affidavit was a typographical error.
He explained that the correct date of the Affidavit of Investigation should have been December 11, 2024, while the subpoena retained its official issuance date as reflected in the records presented before the court.
The clarification was entered into the impeachment court's proceedings as prosecutors continued presenting documentary evidence supporting Article IV.
Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano also questioned the manner in which the NBI conducted its investigation, suggesting that the bureau may not have thoroughly examined all relevant circumstances before recommending criminal charges.
During his interpellation, Cayetano challenged whether investigators had sufficiently considered the broader context surrounding Duterte's statements before concluding that criminal offenses had been committed.
Lotoc defended the bureau's work, explaining that investigators reviewed not only the November 23 online press conference but also Duterte's earlier public statements, her demeanor, the reactions of the officials allegedly threatened, and statements issued by various government agencies.
He maintained that the investigation followed the NBI's legal mandate under Republic Act No. 10867, which grants the bureau primary jurisdiction over cases involving threats against the country's highest government officials.
The questioning formed part of the senator-judges' examination of the prosecution's evidence as the impeachment court continued hearing Article IV, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Lotoc's testimony followed the presentation of the prosecution's first witness last week and is expected to be followed by additional witnesses as both sides continue presenting evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
NBI BARMM Regional Director Atty. Jeremy C. Lotoc, the House prosecution's second witness under Article IV of the impeachment complaint, faced questions from several senator-judges while explaining the bureau's investigation into Duterte's November 23, 2024 online press conference.
One of the issues raised during the hearing involved a discrepancy in the dates appearing on the NBI's investigation documents.
Senator-Judge Imee Marcos pointed out that both the Affidavit of Investigation and the subpoena issued to Duterte bore the date November 6, 2024, even though the statements under investigation were made on November 23, 2024.
Lotoc acknowledged the discrepancy and clarified that the date on the affidavit was a typographical error.
He explained that the correct date of the Affidavit of Investigation should have been December 11, 2024, while the subpoena retained its official issuance date as reflected in the records presented before the court.
The clarification was entered into the impeachment court's proceedings as prosecutors continued presenting documentary evidence supporting Article IV.
Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano also questioned the manner in which the NBI conducted its investigation, suggesting that the bureau may not have thoroughly examined all relevant circumstances before recommending criminal charges.
During his interpellation, Cayetano challenged whether investigators had sufficiently considered the broader context surrounding Duterte's statements before concluding that criminal offenses had been committed.
Lotoc defended the bureau's work, explaining that investigators reviewed not only the November 23 online press conference but also Duterte's earlier public statements, her demeanor, the reactions of the officials allegedly threatened, and statements issued by various government agencies.
He maintained that the investigation followed the NBI's legal mandate under Republic Act No. 10867, which grants the bureau primary jurisdiction over cases involving threats against the country's highest government officials.
The questioning formed part of the senator-judges' examination of the prosecution's evidence as the impeachment court continued hearing Article IV, which accuses Duterte of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Lotoc's testimony followed the presentation of the prosecution's first witness last week and is expected to be followed by additional witnesses as both sides continue presenting evidence before the Senate impeachment court.
Jul 13, 2026
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