Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 15) — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been summoned for investigation in relation to the grave threats complaint filed against him by ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.
Quezon City Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola issued a subpoena ordering the former chief executive to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor on December 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m.
The prosecutor’s office also directed Duterte to submit his counter-affidavit as well as the affidavit/s of his witnesses.
The subpoena also stated that no motion to dismiss will be entertained.
Castro, who is also a House of Representatives minority leader, sued Duterte after he made death threats against her on national television where he talked about his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte’s request for confidential funds.
Castro has strongly opposed the request of the vice president during the national budget deliberations at the lower chamber.
According to Castro’s lawyer Tony La Viña, the Duterte patriarch could face a jail term of up to six years and pay a fine of up to ₱100,000 if found guilty in the case filed in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The lawmaker welcomed the subpoena issued to the former president.
“I am glad that the case is progressing and I hope that former Pres. Duterte will face the charges and participate in the preliminary investigation,” said Castro in a statement.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Wednesday, Castro said she holds more evidence to support her case against Duterte.
\”The video itself tingin natin ay malakas na… pero bukod dito mayroon pa kaming mga ebidensya ng mga red-tagging pronouncements against us Makabayan,\” she said.
[Translation: I think the video itself is strong… but apart from this, we also have evidence of red-tagging pronouncements against us Makabayan.]
