DOJ appeals for calm amid animosity

The Department of Justice (DOJ) appealed for “calmness and sobriety” amid the escalating personal and political rift between the two highest leaders of the country — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Justice Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres made the appeal after remarks by former President Rodrigo Duterte, father of VP Sara, invited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to take part in fixing the country’s “fractured government,” which he said was tantamount to sedition.

“In a vibrant democracy, debate and disagreement are part and parcel of it. But all these should be done in the context of [a] legal framework,” Andres said.
“It is a great disservice for any public official, present or past, to have any kind of suggestion to go out of the legal system. Our country is strong and a functioning republic. The courts are there to protect the rights of everyone,” Andres assured.

Andres earlier said Duterte’s statement “is bordering on sedition” and would be subjected to an investigation.

He assured the public that the justice department would be fair but thorough in its investigation into the supposed threat issued by VP Duterte against Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already subpoenaed the Vice President to give her side on the possible grave threats and violations of Republic Act 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, that she may have committed in issuing the statement.

“The public can expect the DOJ to conduct a fair but thorough investigation to protect the enforcement of [the] rule [of] law,” Andres said.

The DOJ official explained that the NBI is looking into the possible violation by VP Duterte of Section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, which states that terrorism is committed by any person who “engages in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or endangers a person’s life.”
“That’s what is clearly stated in our law, that if you make a move to hurt or just threaten another person, that can be considered terrorism,” Andres said.

He insisted that “any threat to the President is a national security matter.”

The Vice President earlier explained that her “assassination” statement was not a threat, saying she only highlighted the alleged threat to her security.
Sara also argued that her statement was "taken out of logical context" but expressed readiness to defend her side against any possible charges.