Duterte snob grave threats probe
By Nidz Godin
"Two counsels of ex-president Duterte were there…they alleged that ex-president Duterte has yet to receive subpoena and my complaint so they formally received my complaint affidavit and supplemental complaint affidavit, including their submission of entry of appearance," ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said former president Rodrigo Duterte failed to submit his counter-affidavit in connection with first criminal complaint filed against him by Castro, saying he did not receive subpoena issued by Quezon City Prosecutor's Office.
In chance interview, Castro said Duterte was represented by two lawyers from law firm of former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea.
Duterte was represented by lawyers Penrose Ann Valles and Kristia Caringal.
"This means we will wait as it was postponed to Dec. 15, same time as they need to answer…according to my lawyers, upon receipt of complaint, they have maximum of 10 days to answer," Castro said.
Rico Domingo, one of Castro's lead counsels, said they are giving Duterte benefit of the doubt when asked if postponement of the preliminary investigation was part of delaying tactic on the part of former president.
"We assumed good faith when they said they did not receive subpoena and complaint affidavit of Congresswoman Castro, that is why the fiscal gave them another copy of subpoena and complaint affidavit…under Rule 112 of Revised Penal Code and Manual of Prosecutors, they have 10 days to respond to criminal complaint and supplemental complaint so we start the 10 days today Monday... unfortunately, the fiscal is on vacation on 14th, so preliminary investigation was moved to Dec. 15, same time," Domingo added.
Duterte's camp will no longer be given another extension after Dec. 15 deadline, according to Domingo.
"This is still part of due process…we do not object as we wanted to see their defense… fiscal will resolve the case on the basis of his appreciation, whether there is probable cause to file case in court against former president," Domingo said.
Castro said supplemental complaint would further prove her case of grave threat against Duterte.
"Supplemental affidavit included that threats of the former president persisted on Nov. 16 during his program with Pastor Quiboloy," Castro said.
In her supplemental affidavit, the lawmaker said during Duterte's television program titled "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" on Sonshine Media Network International and aired on Nov. 16, the former president said in broken English and Filipino, "Do not think, France, that you have already ... an armor because you are congresswoman, member of Congress... that you are no longer ... vulnerable to anger of ... a lot of soldiers and policemen there died because of you."
Castro has filed case of grave threats against Duterte, in connection with Article 282 of Revised Penal Code relating to Section 6 of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, after the former president allegedly threatened her.
"First one to target with intel funds is you France and other communists whom I'd like to kill," complaint affidavit of Castro stated.
It was clear that Duterte was referring to her, according to Castro.
Lawmaker said Duterte's attacks against her came after she scrutinized confidential funds of his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.
The former president could face maximum of six years of imprisonment and fine of P100,000 in case court finds him guilty of grave threats.
No comments:
Post a Comment