The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte for alleged grave threats and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez continues to focus on testimony from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials. In early proceedings, NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc testifies for the House prosecution, saying investigators found a sufficient basis to investigate Duterte’s statements and describing Duterte’s remarks as “serious” threats not protected by freedom of speech. Lotoc also links parts of the assessment to Duterte’s alleged capability, including her relationship to former President Rodrigo Duterte and the latter’s pending case at the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to reports.
Later, NBI Director Melvin Matibag delivers testimony described by outlets as supporting the prosecution’s account of a “grave threat” and assassination plot. The House prosecution panel completes its presentation on Article IV after Matibag’s testimony, with multiple reports saying the prosecution rests its case on the “threats.” Duterte maintains that the complaint and alleged plot are not supported by evidence, including assertions that her communications were not backed by proof sufficient to substantiate the allegations.
