VP Duterte not immune from suit— Ex-IBP head

Metro Manila, Philippines—The Philippine Constitution does not grant the vice president immunity from suit, unlike the president, according to a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, lawyer Domingo Cayosa said the Department of Justice (DOJ) can proceed with its investigation and case build-up against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“Wala hong immunity na binibigay ang ating constitution sa vice president, only the President is immune from suit while he holds office,” said Cayosa.

[Translation: The constitution does not grant immunity to the vice president; only the President is immune from suit while in office]

“The logic being he's very busy being chief executive commander-in-chief so hindi dapat siya subjected to suits and harassment suits para makapag-focus sa trabaho. Ang vice president is pale-tired lang. So it's very doubtful if she has immunity and that's correct,” he added.

[Translation: The logic is that the president, as the chief executive and commander-in-chief, is too busy to be subjected to lawsuits and harassment cases so that he can focus on his duties. The vice president's role is pale-tired [less demanding]. So it's very doubtful if she has immunity, and that is correct]

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into Vice President Duterte’s alleged threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 24, the DOJ confirmed that the matter is under review, adding that if evidence warrants, the case could lead to prosecution.

"The matter is now subject to an ongoing investigation. If the evidence warrants, this could lead to eventual prosecution," the DOJ said.

Earlier, the National Security Council (NSC) identified Vice President Duterte's threat as a serious national security concern.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año stated on Sunday that the government is working to validate all threats against the president’s life.

“We shall be closely coordinating with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate the nature of the threat, the possible perpetrators, and their motives. We shall do our utmost in defense of our democratic institutions and processes which the President represents,” Año said.