Malacañang on Wednesday distanced itself from the grave threats case filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against Vice President Sara Duterte, while expressing support for the legal proceedings.
The DOJ filed the charges before a Quezon City Regional Trial Court over Duterte’s November 2024 remarks, where she stated she had instructed someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were killed.
In radio interview, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Malacañang was not consulted and had no prior knowledge of the filing. “Hindi eh. Otherwise, nalalaman ko agad,” Castro said.
Despite the lack of advance notice, Castro affirmed the Palace’s support for the DOJ’s move, emphasizing adherence to the rule of law.
“Pero, welcome naman yun. Welcome naman yun kung ano man ang nasampang kaso kasi basta may elemento. Ang importante lang kasi dito ay gumana ang due process,” Castro said. “Ang gusto ng Pangulo due process. Kung may kaso, kung mayroong mga elements of the crime na present, then go, sampahan ng kaso.”
Castro clarified that the criminal case remains distinct from the Vice President’s ongoing impeachment proceedings. She added that incumbent impeachable officials do not enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution, noting that even plunder charges could theoretically be filed if elements of the crime exist.