DOJ assures non-interference in grave threats charge vs ex-Pres Duterte
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, Nov. 15, assured it will not interfere in the preliminary investigation of the criminal complaint filed against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“Ito ay prosecutorial independence (This is prosecutorial independence),” DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said during a press briefing.
“Hindi po sa amin dumadaan ‘yan (The case does not pass through the DOJ),” Remulla said.
Remulla's assurance of non-interference was given as the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office issued a subpoena to Duterte to appear on Dec. 4 and 11 to submit personally his counter-affidavits to the complaint for grave threats filed by ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. France L. Castro.
“Normal na proseso naman ‘yun e. Kahit anong reklamo pasasagutin ka (That’s the normal process. Whatever complaint you are required to answer),” Remulla explained.
He reminded that complaints against public officials are part of their functions as public servants.
“Ganoon talaga. Kahit wala kang kasalanan idedemanda ka. Kasama ‘yan sa ating inaapakan na teritoryo (That’s it. Even if you have committed no wrongdoing, you will get sued. That’s part of the territory we are standing),” he said.