MANILA, Philippines — On April 30, 2026, Leila de Lima said allegations of grave threats and inciting to sedition against Vice President Sara Duterte are among the most significant issues in her impeachment case, during a hearing by the House Committee on Justice to determine probable cause.
The National Bureau of Investigation submitted an affidavit detailing its findings on statements Duterte made during a November 2024 virtual press conference. Investigators said Duterte stated that if she were killed, she had arranged for an individual to target President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The NBI filed complaints in February 2025 with the Department of Justice for inciting to sedition and grave threats. NBI lawyer Yentl Malicad said the agency established that Duterte made statements considered seditious through public speech and was not a direct participant in any act of sedition.
During the hearing, NBI Anti-Cybercrime Division chief Jeremy Lotoc said investigators believe Duterte referred to a specific individual as the alleged “assassin” mentioned in her statements.
Lawmakers including Perci Cendaña and Brian Poe said the allegations should be considered in determining accountability, citing past cases involving threats against public officials. NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the agency treats all threats against officials as serious regardless of context.
The House Committee on Justice is conducting hearings to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to impeach Duterte.
