Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Malacañang photo)

The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives collectively slammed on Saturday, Jan. 13 the dismissal of the grave threat case filed by one of its members against former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

The case, filed by ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, was junked by the Quezon City prosecutor's office, it was reported Friday, Jan. 12. 

"Dismayado ako sa sinasabing pagbasura ng kasong grave threats na isinampa ko laban kay dating Pang. Rodrigo Duterte dahil di nito kinilala ang takot na dinala nito sa akin at sa aking pamilya," Castro said in a statement. 

(I'm dismayed by the reported junking of the grave threats case I filed against former president Duterte since this is a failure to acknowledge the fear brought to myself and to my family.) 

"Para din nitong pinagkait ang katarungan sa akin (It's like I've been denied of justice)," she added. 

Castro was referring to the alleged death threat that Duterte issued against her during an interview on television network SMNI. 

At any rate, Castro said her office has yet to receive an official copy of the prosecutor's decision. She said she intends to go over it with her lawyers before making the next move. 

Another Makabayan solon in Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas echoed her colleague's disappointment over the development. 

"The dismissal of the criminal complaint of grave threats filed by my fellow Makabayan lawmaker ACT-Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro against former president Rodrigo Duterte is a huge injustice," she said in a separate statement. 

ALSO READ: 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/17/no-more-immunity-makabayan-eyes-legal-action-vs-duterte-for-death-threat

"His threats were broadcasted during a television show, and even circulated in social media, but the prosecutor's office chose to turn a blind eye," added Brosas. 

In yet another statement, Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel stressed that Duterte must be held accountable for the alleged death threat as well as his supposed crimes against the Filipino people. 

"We are disappointed kasi malinaw naman na nagbanta sa buhay ni Teacher France si Rodrigo Duterte, at kilala si Duterte that his words are orders to his minions ," Manuel said. 

(It's clear that Rodrigo Duterte made a threat to Teacher France's life, and it's known that to his minions, Duterte’s words are orders.)