MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc testified before the Senate impeachment court on Tuesday that Vice President Sara Duterte had both the intent and capability to carry out her assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
On the fifth day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Lotoc stood by the NBI’s findings that the Vice President’s statements were “serious, real and active,” saying investigators found sufficient basis to recommend filing charges for grave threats before the Department of Justice.
Asked by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian whether Duterte had the capability to execute the threats, Lotoc replied, “Definitely,” citing her position as vice president and her political background.
Lotoc said the NBI relied on Duterte’s Nov. 23, 2024 online press briefing and a Nov. 26 interview, in which she reiterated that she had spoken to someone to exact revenge if she were killed.
He acknowledged that the Cybercrime Division had no independent evidence identifying the alleged hit man or confirming such a person existed, saying the bureau’s conclusion was based on Duterte’s own statements and admissions.
Lotoc also testified that Duterte did not appear before the NBI for questioning, preventing investigators from verifying her claims. He said her written denial merely rejected hiring an assassin but did not deny making the controversial statements.
Prosecutors argue that Duterte’s public remarks constitute grave threats and betrayal of public trust, an impeachable offense under the Constitution.
Lotoc also told the impeachment court that the NBI found no validated threat against Duterte related to the alleged “Operation Romanov,” saying investigators could not substantiate the claim during their inquiry.
