QC prosecutor to resolve grave threat case vs Duterte if…
By J.Lo
"If prosecutor finds probable cause to file criminal case in court and put Duterte to trial, he will issue information and file it in regional trial court of Quezon City," Rico Domingo, one of the lead counsels of ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said Quezon City Prosecutor's Office will decide on criminal complaint against former president Rodrigo Duterte based on pieces of evidence presented against him, after Duterte would rather be jailed instead of filing counter-affidavit after subpoena was issued against him.
Domingo said if Duterte fails to submit his counter-affidavit during preliminary investigation slated on Dec. 4 and 11, investigating prosecutor will take into consideration evidence provided by Castro in resolving complaint of grave threats against former president.
Domingo made statement after Duterte said he would choose to be imprisoned rather than address charges filed against him by Castro.
Quezon City senior assistant city prosecutor Ulric Badiola signed subpoena ordering Duterte to appear before fiscal's office at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 11.
Badiola said subpoena against Duterte was in line with preliminary investigation of the case of grave threats filed by Castro against Duterte, in connection with Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code relating to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
He directed Duterte to submit his counter-affidavit as well as affidavits of his witnesses and supporting documents.
Castro filed criminal complaint against Duterte, alleging grave threats issued in his television program titled "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" on SMNI and aired on Oct. 11, where former president said, "pero ang una mong target d'yan sa intelligence fund mo, kayo, ikaw France, kayong mga komunista ang gusto kong patayin…sabihin mo na sa kanya."
According to Castro, it was clear Duterte was referring to her, as during first part of interview, former chief executive mentioned her full name.
Castro said attacks of Duterte against her came after she scrutinized confidential funds of his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Elder Duterte could face maximum of six years imprisonment, and fine of P100,000, in case court finds him guilty of grave threats.
Duterte should be statesman enough to steer clear from matters that only tend to polarize government, like insinuating about purported plots by state security forces to topple administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe pointed out Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are professionals, and the last thing they need and want are political intrigues.
"I respectfully appeal to former president Duterte to recognize paramount importance of keeping our AFP and PNP free from partisan politics…these institutions serve as bedrock of our nation's security, and their effectiveness relies on unity and impartiality," he said.
Zamboanga City congressman noted speculations about unrest among law enforcement authorities could "unnecessarily raise questions about professionalism and neutrality of uniformed service."
"We have already achieved so much in our quest to professionalize our military and police service…let us not squander what we have accomplished by putting AFP and the PNP in a bad light because of these baseless statements," Dalipe added.
At the same time administration stalwart rectified misimpressions by Duterte about an alleged "ambition" of Speaker Martin Romualdez to run for president in the May 2028 elections, where he may be pitted against his daughter.
"It's not only baseless, but also premature," he set record straight, adding presidential election is still too far away, and Romualdez is wasting no time ensuring swift passage of Marcos administration's priority measures.
According to Dalipe, Duterte's statements insinuating AFP and PNP are involved in political activities are very unfair to officers and enlisted personnel who have worked hard to restore credibility and high level of professionalism of the uniformed service.
He emphasized that as former president, Duterte should prioritize nation's well-being over political interests, fostering environment where AFP and PNP can fulfill their duties without being entangled in divisive political agendas.
Mindanao congressman stressed that days of military adventurism are over, and AFP and PNP are focused on carrying out their constitutional mandate as pillars of the country's democracy and sovereignty.
"AFP and PNP have more important things to do than watching Congress, as claimed by former president…our uniformed service must be insulated from partisan activities and should maintain highest degree of professionalism," Dalipe said.
He emphasized that any form of partisanship in AFP and PNP could undermine their professionalism and erode public trust.
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