Duterte snubs NBI subpoena again, holds thanksgiving with the media

Metro Manila, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has skipped for a second time on Wednesday, Dec. 11, a summons by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that has been investigating her “kill threats” against the president.

Instead, Duterte is set to hold a thanksgiving lunch with the media on the same day that she was supposed to appear before the agency.

The vice president first snubbed the NBI investigation on Nov. 29, citing her supposed appearance at the House inquiry on her confidential fund use.

In a letter submitted by her legal counsel in November, the vice president asked for a clear copy of the complaint filed against her. She had also sought to be given the questions in advance.

The NBI earlier said it will proceed with its investigation despite Duterte’s absence.

“Kung walang justifiable reason bakit hindi makaka-appear…tapusin na namin iyong investigation based on what we are holding,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago told reporters on Nov. 29.

The investigation stemmed from Duterte’s remarks weeks back when she said she had ordered someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, if she herself gets murdered. Although she said she was not kidding at the time she made the statement, the vice president later claimed these were “taken out of context”.

The National Security Council previously said it considers these remarks as a matter of national security.

(This story will be updated)