THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday reaffirmed that the ongoing preliminary investigation into the complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is being handled with strict adherence to legal procedures.
In an official statement, the DOJ emphasized that Duterte will be given every opportunity to respond to the allegations and present her side before the panel of investigating prosecutors.
“The prosecutors will carefully examine all submitted evidence to determine whether there is prima facie proof and a reasonable certainty of conviction. The DOJ will ensure that due process is followed, and that the rule of law and accountability are upheld—regardless of who the respondent is,” the department said.
The complaint was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after Duterte claimed she had prepared to hire an assassin to target President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez in case an alleged plot against her succeeded.
Duterte recently submitted her counter-affidavit in response. “We’re not discussing our defense to avoid influencing the prosecutors and to ensure an impartial assessment,” her legal counsel, Michael Poa, told reporters.
He added, “All we ask for is due process—that’s the bare minimum.”
