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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Naliligaw ako eh': VP Sara trial about betrayal of public trust, not grave threats — Sotto

'Naliligaw ako eh': VP Sara trial about betrayal of public trust, not grave threats — Sotto

Published Jul 15, 2026 09:16 am

At A Glance

  • Senator-judge Vicente Sotto III clarified that while the NBI investigated criminal complaints for grave threats and inciting to sedition, the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte is based on the constitutional ground of betrayal of public trust, urging that the distinction be made clear to the public.

Senator-judge Vicente Sotto III sought to clarify the nature of the charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the public may be confused by the discussions on grave threats and inciting to sedition during the fifth day of her impeachment trial on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Sotto noted that while the proceedings had focused on criminal offenses that are ordinarily resolved in regular courts, the impeachment case is anchored on constitutional grounds.

“I’m confused. Because I think that even some members of the public that are watching are confused by the discussion of grave threats and inciting to sedition. These are filed in regular courts, right?” Sotto asked.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Atty. Jeremy Lotoc confirmed that the complaints for grave threats and inciting to sedition are subject to preliminary investigation and prosecution in the regular courts.

He clarified, however, that the allegation before the impeachment court is betrayal of public trust.

Sotto stressed the need to clearly distinguish the criminal complaints from the constitutional basis of the impeachment case so the public understands that the proceedings are focused on the impeachable offenses alleged in the Articles of Impeachment.

This was later cited by private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan, who stated that his brief clarificatory question brought them back to what the trial is all about.
"We are not a criminal court, and much time has been spent [on] is there grave threat, is there inciting to sedition? All of these are relevant...Does it make the Vice President a violator of the Constitution?" she said.

Related Tags

Vicente Sotto III impeachment court Vice President Sara Duterte betrayal of public trust
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