Constitutional laConstitutional law expert Atty. Domingo Cayosa believes that Vice President Sara Duterte’s violent outburst against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez during a press conference in November 2024 clearly constitutes the crime of grave threats.
During Tuesday’s impeachment trial proceedings against Duterte, the prosecution presented video footage of her remarks threatening President Marcos and two other individuals as part of its case.
The prosecution also presented other interviews where she expressed her intention to inflict harm on the President.
In an interview, Cayosa said Duterte’s statements raise serious questions about her character and integrity as a public official.
“Duterte should personally explain her state of mind at the time she made the alleged threat against the President,” he insisted.
According to him, someone who threatens the lives of others while serving in public office is no longer fit to remain as Vice President.
He added fhat the Vice President cannot deny or downplay her pronouncement, especially since they are part of the public record.
Cayosa also said the Vice President cannot claim that she was merely joking, noting that she herself explicitly stated that her remarks were “not a joke.”
He explained that Duterte’s alleged threat is particularly serious because, under the constitutional line of succession, she would assume the presidency if the President were killed.
