Manila: Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday expressed his strong desire for Vice President Sara Duterte to attend the resumption of the preliminary investigation concerning the serious charges against her.
According to Philippines News Agency, the case stems from Duterte's statement during an online briefing in November last year, where she allegedly mentioned hiring an assassin to kill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. This pronouncement was reportedly made in the context of a supposed assassination plot against her.
The Department of Justice received the case after Duterte declined the National Bureau of Investigation's invitation to present her side. Secretary Remulla emphasized the importance of Duterte exercising her legal rights by attending the preliminary investigation. "I hope she attends because it's her right," Remulla stated, while also acknowledging that attendance is a choice for the vice president, who is a lawyer.
Regarding security arrangements for Duterte's attendance, Remulla indicated that coordination could be easily managed with the panel of prosecutors. He noted that no special communication was necessary with him directly, as the appropriate measures could be discussed with the DOJ personnel. Remulla underscored the respect due to Duterte's office, stating that interactions should be conducted with courtesy.