PNP says complaints vs VP Sara not 'politically motivated'

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday insisted that catering to complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte and her security details "was not politically motivated."

PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil made the remarks days after a formal complaint was filed against Duterte and her security personnel under the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) by Dr. Van Jason Villamor of the PNP Health Service and other police officers.

Duterte, along with VPSPG commander Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica and several others, will face cases of direct assault, disobedience, and grave coercion due to recent confrontations between the Vice President’s camp and the police officers at the House of Representatives Detention Center and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

Marbil said the police organization is only exercising its "constitutional mandate to uphold the rule of law." Hence, the need to act on the complaints, regardless of whom the cases are directed at.

"The PNP remains committed to its mandate to enforce the law without fear or favor. The filing of cases against any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, is a reflection of our duty to the Constitution and the Filipino people," Marbil said.

He said any inaction on incidents involving law enforcers could lead to public distrust.

"If we do not file cases against those accused, what will people say? Takot ang pulis, pangmahirap lang ang pangil ng batas. We cannot allow such perceptions to take root. Our duty is to apply the law to everyone, regardless of their standing, because justice is not selective," he explained.

Marbil cited lessons learned from the past.

"We have seen how inaction, or selective application of the law, undermines public trust—like the ‘tokhang’ criticisms of the previous administration, where victims were perceived to be predominantly from the poor," he said.

"We refuse to let history repeat itself. The PNP is committed to protecting all sectors of society without bias or prejudice."

Marbil reaffirmed the PNP’s oath to safeguarding Filipinos' rights.

"Our laws must be observed, obeyed, and upheld. This is our sworn duty as law enforcers," he said.

"It is not about politics, but about ensuring accountability under the legal framework we all agreed to as a democratic society," he added.

Marbil further assured that legal mechanisms are in place "to ensure fairness and due process."

"Everyone is entitled to defend themselves through these avenues, as guaranteed by the Constitution," he said.

Marbil underscored the PNP’s impartiality, saying it is the "principle that guides" the law enforcers.

"We cannot choose whom to apply the law to or make exceptions based on affiliations or relationships. Our mandate is to protect and serve all people equally, without prejudice or discrimination," he added.

"The police organization remains committed to performing its duties with integrity, impartiality, and respect for human rights. He called for the public’s trust and cooperation in ensuring that justice and the rule of law prevail in the country."

Duterte, Col. Lachica, and other individuals are accused of "unlawful acts related to the assault, disobedience, and coercion that occurred during the incident."

The Vice President said her camp will also file charges against some police officers.