Former President Rodrigo Duterte did not attend the preliminary investigation before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, as he failed to receive any formal communication or subpoena from the prosecutor’s office. His two female lawyers appeared before Senior Assistant Prosecutor Ulric Badiola to relay his decision.
During the proceedings, Badiola personally handed the lawyers the resolution he issued prior to the preliminary investigation, as well as the complaint filed by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro against the former president. The prosecutor set the next preliminary hearing for December 15, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.
Accompanied by her counsel, Castro mentioned that they had also filed a supplemental complaint against Duterte for his “continued grave threats” towards her. When asked by The Manila Times if she was the person referred to as “France” by the former president, Castro confirmed that she could substantiate her allegations.
“I am very sure that I am the one being threatened by the former president, and we have clearly cited evidence in my complaint,” Castro stated confidently.
In her complaint, Castro accused Duterte of grave threats under Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act. She pointed to his statements made in October during a program on SMNI, where he said, “I told her (daughter VP Sara) to be frank. Say that this intelligence fund, I will use for Filipinos’ minds because my target is you communists in Congress.”
Castro also expressed her hope that the former president would face the charges and actively participate in the preliminary investigation.
It is worth noting that Duterte enjoyed protection from prosecution while he was president. However, now that he is an ordinary citizen, he can be charged for alleged crimes committed in the Philippines, according to a group allied with Castro.
Outside the Department of Justice (DoJ) building, members of the group showed their support for Castro by brandishing placards and chanting slogans against Duterte. On the other hand, a separate group of supporters of the former president gathered in front of the DoJ building, hoping to see him attend the proceedings.
Despite the absence of the former president, the preliminary investigation will proceed as scheduled, giving both parties an opportunity to present their arguments and evidence.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this case will unfold and what impact it may have on the political landscape of the Philippines.
Source: The Manila Times
