MANILA, Philippines –The Quezon City Police District filed the first criminal complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte as she attempted to stop the transfer of her chief aide from the House of Representatives to the Correctional Institution for Women.
The controversy began with the Vice President expressing dissatisfaction with the transfer of her aide, who faced detention at the House of Representatives. The aides and several other officials were reportedly involved in the scuffle during this process.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the filing of charges, detailing the specific articles violated during the confrontation.
General Rommel Francisco Marbil, PNP chief, stated that the video evidence clearly captured the misconduct. This has become a significant legal issue for the Vice President, who has publicly opposed the charges, suggesting that there was a misunderstanding during the incident.
“In a video that surfaced, VPSPG head, Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica, was seen physically pushing and assaulting the PNP doctor-in-charge, which could lead to a direct assault complaint,” Marbil said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced a revamp of the Vice President’s security detail. The AFP clarified that the decision to revamp was independent of any government intervention and aimed solely at maintaining the safety and security of the Vice President.
The AFP also dismissed rumors of taking over the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group.