Standard procedures will be strictly followed in the preliminary investigation of Vice President Sara Duterte over her controversial “kill” remark against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has assured.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla made it clear the Prosecutor General, not he, will handle the case.

“The process will follow the rules. She’ll appear in person as required, but to be clear, I don’t handle preliminary investigations,” Remulla told reporters Wednesday, distancing himself from the politically charged case. Duterte is scheduled to face the prosecutors on Friday, 9 May.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) earlier recommended charges of inciting to sedition and grave threats against Duterte stemming from her remarks in a midnight press conference that was streamed live last February where she said she had instructed someone to kill Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed first.

Duterte has denied making an actual threat, insisting her words were “taken out of context.” She said she was only exposing a potential threat to her safety but stood by her statement, saying she had no regrets.

The matter was among the grounds cited in an impeachment complaint against Duterte in February.

Remulla said security is in place for Duterte’s appearance, noting that no special treatment was requested by her camp. “They’re aware of the protocols. This will be handled as a standard procedure,” he added.

The preliminary investigation will determine if there is enough evidence to file formal charges. If it moves forward, Duterte could face cases of inciting to sedition, grave threats, threats against the President which carry penalties under the Revised Penal Code.

As of press time, Duterte’s legal team has not issued a statement, but insiders say she plans to attend the inquiry personally.

The preliminary investigation will be conducted at the DoJ main office in Manila, with strict security measures expected for the high-profile hearing. Media access will reportedly be limited to pool coverage to maintain order during the proceedings.