The Quezon City Prosecutor's Office has issued a subpoena to former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, ordering him to appear at the hearing of grave threat charge filed against him by House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro.
The subpoena, dated Oct. 27 and signed by Senior Assistance City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola, ordered Duterte to appear before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office, Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Building on Dec. 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m for the preliminary investigation of the complaint for violation of Article 282 of the Revised Penal Code (Grave Threats) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 (Cybercrime Act).
The Prosecutor's Office also ordered Duterte to submit his counter-affidavit and his witnesses' affidavits and other supporting documents.
"The Counter-Affidavit, together with the annexes and the affidavit/s of witness/es shall be in eight (8) copies and shall be subscribed and sworn to before me. In addition, the affiant/s shall also submit a photocopy of their government-issued identification card as proof of their identity," the subpoena stated.
Castro, ACT Teachers Partylist representative, and her witnesses (if there is any), were also directed to reaffirm the veracity and truthfulness of the allegation in her given statement.
The subpoena also stated that "NO MOTION TO DISMISS shall be entertained" and only counter-affidavits shall be admitted, otherwise, the "respondent/s is/are deemed to have waived" the right to present evidence.
"Furthermore, no postponement shall be granted unless for exceptionally meritorious grounds," it stated.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, Castro welcomed the development on the case, saying she hopes that Duterte would face the charges and appear in the preliminary investigations.
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