NBI likely to resked summon for Sara Duterte, if requested

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it would likely grant a possible request of Vice President Sara Duterte to reschedule her summon so she could attend the hearing of a House panel on Friday.

"Yes," NBI Director Jaime Santiago said Thursday in response to a message to GMA News Online when asked if it is likely that Duterte's request will be granted.

Duterte previously confirmed that she has received the subpoena from the NBI, where she is to be investigated for alleged grave threats and possible violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act following her remark that she ordered someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should an alleged plot against her succeed.

Last Wednesday, Duterte said she already requested the NBI to reschedule her summon as she will prioritize her attendance at the House good government and public accountability panel inquiry so she could support her staff.

However, Santiago said the NBI has yet to receive such a request from the vice president.

"Haven't received her request yet," the NBI chief said.

Urgent need to reschedule

Meanwhile, Santiago's remark was echoed by Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres.

Speaking at the Balita Pilipinas Ngayon news forum, Andres said Duterte’s appearance must be rescheduled immediately.

"Ngunit, agad-agad din po, possibly Monday or Tuesday next week, kailangan pong matuloy agad 'yung imbestigasyon dahil napaka-importante po ng gagawin naming investigation at seryoso po ang sitwasyon, seryoso po ang banta," Andres said.

(But immediately, possibly Monday or Tuesday next week, the investigation must continue because it is important and the situation and the threat is serious.)

"Kaya kailangan po namin ipatawag ang bise presidente para magbigay po ng pahayag at impormasyon kung sino 'yung kinausap niya para mag patupad ng pag patay sa ating pangulo, kay First Lady, at kay Speaker Martin Romualdez," he added.

(We must call on the vice president so she can give her statement and information on who she ordered to kill the President, the First Lady, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) previously said it was investigating Duterte for possible violations of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Law.

For her part, Duterte said her remark was "maliciously taken out of logical context."

She has also slammed the Marcos administration for allegedly insisting that the President's life was under active threat, saying that "a supposed conditional act of revenge" does not constitute this. — VDV, GMA Integrated News