The Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday declined to comment on issues raised by Senator Erwin Tulfo during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying it would defer to the Senate impeachment court.

The DoJ issued the statement after Tulfo questioned National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regional director Jeremy Lotoc over the length of the department’s preliminary investigation into complaints filed against Duterte.

“The DoJ has taken note of the media query concerning the issue raised by Senator Erwin Tulfo during the proceedings of the impeachment court,” Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Polo Martinez said.

“Out of respect for, and in deference to, the impeachment court, the Department will refrain from commenting on matters raised in or relating to those proceedings,” Martinez said.

He added that the complaints against Duterte remain under preliminary investigation.

“As to the substantive matter of the complaint against VP Sara Duterte, the Department informs the public that the complaint remains under investigation. The Department will act on and resolve the complaint at the appropriate time, in accordance with due process. Thank you,” Martinez said.

During Monday’s impeachment proceedings, Tulfo asked Lotoc why the DoJ’s preliminary investigation into complaints stemming from Duterte’s alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has remained unresolved.

Lotoc, who previously headed the NBI Cybercrime Division, testified that the bureau filed complaints for grave threats and inciting to sedition against Duterte in February 2025 and that the cases remain under preliminary investigation at the DoJ.

“One year preliminary. One year. Over one year. January to January is one. February, March, April, May, June, July. Is it normal for the DoJ to conduct a preliminary (investigation) about over a year? Mr. Witness?” Tulfo asked.

Lotoc replied that he could not answer for the DoJ.

Tulfo said the NBI should ensure that cases are airtight before filing them, adding that the prolonged preliminary investigation could indicate deficiencies in the complaints.

“I already have this feeling that something is wrong. Your case has been pending with the DOJ for far too long. There’s something wrong with the case. Maybe next time, make sure the case you file is airtight,” he said.