The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday told lawmakers that Vice President Sara Duterte had communicated with an individual described as an “assassin” in connection with her controversial 2024 remarks about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The disclosure was made during the final hearing of the House Committee on Justice, which is determining probable cause in impeachment complaints filed against the vice president.
NBI Anti-Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lotoc confirmed under questioning by Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno that investigators had uncovered evidence suggesting Duterte had spoken to a person she referred to in a widely circulated press conference in November 2024.
“Ongoing pa po ang aming imbestigasyon, pero may nakausap, may assassin po,” Lotoc said, indicating that while the probe continues, the bureau believes there was indeed contact with a single individual.
The hearing revisited Duterte’s statements during a televised online briefing, where she claimed she had arranged for the killing of Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez, should anything happen to her.
Lotoc said the NBI had issued two subpoenas to Duterte as part of its investigation, but she did not appear, citing official commitments related to ongoing congressional proceedings. Her legal team, in written responses, denied that she made any actionable threat against the named officials.
Investigators also summoned six members of the media who attended the press conference. According to Lotoc, the journalists expressed shock over Duterte’s statements.
Based on its findings, the NBI has recommended the filing of one count of inciting to sedition and three counts of grave threats against the vice president. The case is currently under preliminary investigation by the Department of Justice.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag emphasized that any threat against public officials, especially the president, is treated with utmost seriousness.
“We consider all threats against the President and other officials as serious matters that warrant full investigation,” he said.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, who endorsed one of the impeachment complaints, described Duterte’s remarks as among the most critical issues before the committee.
She argued that the incident raises serious concerns about leadership and accountability, noting that such statements from a sitting vice president are unprecedented.
The House panel is expected to conclude its deliberations as the Justice Department continues its separate probe into the criminal complaints.