Sara's prosecution eyed over kill remark

DOJ starts probe of VP

- BELLA CARIASO

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is now investigating the "kill" remark of Vice President Sara Duterte against President Marcos, Malacañang said yesterday.

"The matter is now subject to an ongoing investigation.

If the evidence warrants, this could lead to eventual prosecution," Presidential Communications Secretary Cesar Chavez said.

According to Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez, it is "ready and willing to hear" any complaint that may be filed by the law enforcement agencies against anyone.

The DOJ will also give respondents the chance to counter the complaints against them should the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) choose to file complaints.

"It is better if we let our law enforcement agencies conclude their investigations so we can know all the facts and circumstances. If they file a complaint, the NPS (National Prosecution Service) of the DOJ is there to hear the case," Vasquez noted.

He assured the public that if a complaint is filed, the DOJ will give all parties time to present their evidence and defense on the matter.

During an expletive-laced press conference of Duterte, she alleged that she was the subject of an assassination plot and that she ordered a member of her security team to kill the President should it succeed.

"I already talked to a person in my security. I told him if I get killed, kill BBM (President Marcos), (First Lady) Liza Araneta and (Speaker) Martin Romualdez. No joke," Duterte said at a press conference that began after midnight. "I said, if I die, don't stop until you have killed them." Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said security detail for the President has been put on alert over an "active threat" against his life by the Vice President.

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