Duterte’s Media Party Fuels Speculation Ahead of NBI Probe
Duterte hosts Media Lunch Amid NBI Probe, Fueling Speculation
MANILA – vice President Sara Duterte is hosting a luncheon for the media on December 11, raising eyebrows as it coincides with a scheduled National bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe into alleged threats she made against President Marcos, Frist Lady Liza araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.The invitation, posted on the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) Viber group for media, invites journalists too an “OVP Year-end Thanksgiving Lunch” at 11 a.m. at the OVP office in Mandaluyong City.
This event comes after Duterte postponed her initial appearance before the NBI on November 29, citing a scheduling conflict with a House committee hearing.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago emphasized that the investigation will proceed nonetheless of Duterte’s presence. “With or without her, the bureau will proceed with its investigation,” Santiago stated in a radio interview.
He added that if Duterte fails to appear on December 11 without a valid reason, the NBI will consider it a waiver of her right to explain her side of the story.
“If the vice president falls ill or has more urgent official duties, we understand and respect that,” Santiago said. “But without a valid reason, we will move forward and consider it as a waiver of her right to explain her side on both incidents—the threats she allegedly made and those made against her.”
Santiago clarified that the NBI’s invitation to Duterte aims to address both the alleged threats she made and those allegedly made against her.While the NBI has set December 11 as the deadline for Duterte’s appearance, Santiago indicated a willingness to grant one more chance if she provides a justifiable reason for missing the scheduled date.
“December 11 is the deadline,” Santiago stated. “if she fails to appear without valid justification, we will move forward with our findings.even if there is a justifiable reason this time, we will only provide one more chance, and it will be a short period. We want this controversy resolved so that peace can be restored.”
Duterte has previously maintained that her statements were “taken out of their logical context.”
In a recent Facebook post, she expressed gratitude to Senators Imee Marcos, Ronald dela Rosa, and Bong Go for their support during the recent “crisis.”
The OVP also publicly thanked Senator Marcos for securing an order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government that allowed Duterte and dela Rosa to stay with OVP Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez during her hospitalization.
former Philippine Official Seeks Forgiveness Amid Corruption charges
Manila, Philippines – Former Philippine official, Sara Duterte, is seeking forgiveness as she faces corruption charges related to confidential fund expenses during her time as Vice President and Secretary of Education. duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was recently hospitalized after being transferred from the Batasang pambansa complex, where she was initially held following her arrest on November 22nd. She is currently confined at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City.
Duterte’s legal troubles stem from allegations of misuse of public funds allocated for confidential purposes within the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.The specific details of the alleged misuse remain confidential, but the case has sparked intense public scrutiny and debate.
House Deputy Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega has urged Duterte to prioritize self-forgiveness as a step towards reconciliation.”If I were her, I will forgive myself first,” Ortega stated. “Then, when she forgives herself… she can now forgive others. Merry Christmas,” he added, offering a message of hope during the holiday season.
Duterte Hosts Media Lunch Amid NBI Probe, Fueling Speculation
Manila, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte held a luncheon with select members of the media today, raising eyebrows amid an ongoing National Bureau of Inquiry (NBI) probe into alleged irregularities during his administration.
The meeting, described by Duterte’s spokesperson as an informal gathering to “rekindle ties” with the press, took place at his residence in Davao City. This marks the first time Duterte has publicly engaged with the press as the NBI investigation was launched last month.
The NBI is currently probing allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and extrajudicial killings that allegedly occurred under Duterte’s watch. The probe has sparked intense public scrutiny and political debate.
To further understand the implications of this seemingly innocuous event, we spoke with Professor Maria Luz villanueva, a political analyst and expert on Philippine politics at the Ateneo de Manila University.
NewsDirectory3: professor Villanueva, what are your initial thoughts on President Duterte’s decision to host the media luncheon amidst the ongoing NBI probe?
Professor Villanueva: This is a strategic move by Duterte. By publicly engaging with the media, he aims to project an image of openness and clarity, possibly attempting to mitigate negative public perception regarding the NBI investigation.
NewsDirectory3: Some see this as an attempt by Duterte to influence media coverage of the probe. Do you agree?
Professor Villanueva: While that’s a possibility, it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions. However,it’s crucial to remember that Duterte has a history of leveraging his relationship with the media for political gain.It is significant for journalists to remain objective and avoid being swayed by any potential influence.
NewsDirectory3: What do you think this move signals about Duterte’s future political ambitions?
Professor Villanueva: The timing of this luncheon is noteworthy, especially with the upcoming 2025 elections looming.It might very well be a calculated attempt to re-enter the political scene and possibly lay the groundwork for a political comeback.
NewsDirectory3:
Professor Villanueva, thank you very much for your insightful analysis.
The luncheon hosted by Duterte has undoubtedly sparked speculation and debate. Whether it is an act of transparency or a calculated political maneuver remains to be seen. NewsDirectory3 will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.