The acting Secretary Lukas Bersamin stated on Thursday that the government would allow the judicial process to proceed in the wake of the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) filing of criminal charges against Vice President Sara Duterte. "We are aware of this, but we will allow the process to take its course because it pertains to a criminal investigation," Bersamin told reporters. He emphasized that the Department of Justice (DOJ) must have full autonomy in reviewing the case, and no external directives should be given.
Referring to Duterte's repeated denials of her involvement in the conspiracy to commit murder, Bersamin said that this matter will remain under investigation. "This process should proceed through its full course, if this matter is officially recognized as information," he added. Among the NBI's recommendations were to file charges against those involved in the conspiracy to commit murder and serious threats against Duterte. This is in response to her statement that she had indicated plans to kill President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., the first lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, if the alleged conspiracy against her succeeds.
The ministry stated that prosecutors will evaluate whether a complaint is returned to the NBI for further investigation or if it will be passed for preliminary consideration.
