Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres —File photo by Ryan Leagogo | INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — It is not right for Vice President Sara Duterte to say that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is partial as it probes into the alleged threat she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres asserted that the agency is just doing its job to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of the individuals involved – even if they are high-ranking government officials.

Article continues after this advertisement

“It’s not right to say that the Department of Justice is biased. The Department of Justice will listen to the side of our vice president and consider all possible evidence presented, including testimonies from other witnesses,” Andres said in Filipino in a “Teleradyo” interview on Thursday.

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO VP Duterte now mulls hiring ‘private security’ NEWSINFO Suspected China Coast Guard ship leaves Zambales uninspected NEWSINFO Filipiniana, Asean-inspired attire for gov’t workers on Mondays

READ: Sara Duterte’s kill remark vs Marcos is ‘active threat’ – Palace

Article continues after this advertisement

“She will be given the full opportunity to be heard before we evaluate the case and decide whether to file charges,” he added.

Article continues after this advertisement

He also emphasized that the subpoena issued to Duterte would allow her to explain her side regarding her pronouncement that she hired someone to kill the president, First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself would be killed. Andres pointed out that such issuance ensures that due process was being followed.

Article continues after this advertisement

Duterte previously accused the DOJ of being biased in its probe into her alleged kill order against Marcos, his wife, and his cousin.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) closed Monday’s session up by 0.69 percent, or 48.16 points, to 6,984.25. Meanwhile, the broader All Shares Index added 0.67 percent, or 25.19 points, to 3,778.05.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the trade-in-goods balance — the difference between exports and imports — amounted to a $4.87 billion deficit in July, widening from the $4.32-billion shortfall recorded in the previous month and the $4.12 deficit in July last year.

“I don’t think this investigation is fair. We can see that the president’s pronouncement is biased,” Duterte said in Filipino at a press conference on Wednesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

“As you may have seen, during an interview, an undersecretary from the Department of Justice said, ‘A threat is a threat.’ This alone indicates their stance on the matter. Even though they claim to be conducting an investigation, it seems they had already decided to file charges from the very beginning,” she added.

Duterte’s office received the subpoena, but the vice president did not personally appear at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), an attached agency of the DOJ, on Wednesday, December 11. She instead submitted a letter denying the allegations against her.

“At the end of the day, the legal process, such as the issuance of a subpoena, will grant you the opportunity to present your explanation and present your witnesses. You may also be assisted by counsel during the investigation,” Andres said.

ayo slot

“All of these are provided by our National Bureau of Investigation. Unfortunately, our vice president will not be attending,” he added.

In the same radio interview, Andres likewise said that President Marcos was not interfering with the DOJ investigation, asserting the independence of the agency despite being under the executive department.

“First and foremost, the president is not dictating on us or anyone else,” Andres said.

READ: NBI admits to start from scratch on probing threat vs VP Sara Duterte

“In fact, our president has stated that he does no agreement with the impeachment because it would be a waste of time,” he added.

Andres stressed, however, that the president’s point of view would not affect the DOJ’s mandate as the country’s prosecutorial and investigating arm.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“If we find ourselves in a situation where our prosecutorial, investigative, and law enforcement agencies fail to act, then we are accountable to the public. This is because any crime is fundamentally a matter of public security,” he said.

“Every crime is not just a concern of the private offended party22fun, every crime disturbs the peace. [Because] a criminal offense is a crime against society, that’s why we have to do something,” he added.

READ NEXT Dela Rosa questions PhilHealth-DBP-Tingog agreement Rizal police seize P1.4-M shabu, gun from 7 suspects EDITORS' PICK FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host NBA: Jimmy Butler reportedly interested in four teams Filipinos urged to go digital in giving Christmas cash gifts Selena Gomez now engaged to Benny Blanco Golden State Warriors celebrate Filipino Heritage Night, comeback victory MOST READ PNP to crack down on private armies, loose firearms for 2025 polls INQToday: Grijaldo skips House quad panel probe for the 4th time; held in contempt 3 senior scouts die, 10 hurt in Zambo City electrocution incident Sofronio Vasquez looks back on Rey Valera's advice after 'The Voice' US win Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments