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CIDG Chief Clarifies No Pressure from Malacañang or Senate in Filing Charges Against Duterte
CIDG Chief Clarifies No Pressure from Malacañang or Senate in Filing Charges Against Duterte
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Title CIDG Chief Clarifies No Pressure from Malacañang or Senate in Filing Charges Against Duterte (60 characters)
In a recent press briefing at Camp Crame, Major General Nicholas Torre III, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), underscored that his decision to file criminal charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte was solely driven by his commitment to upholding the law. When asked if he received pressure from Malacañang or the Senate to take this action, Torre categorically denied any influence, stating, I don't think Malacañang should get involved because this is pure law enforcement.
The charges against Duterte were filed following a statement made at a PDP-Laban senatorial proclamation rally, where he suggested that 15 senators may be killed to make room for his candidates. Torre subsequently filed charges of sedition and unlawful utterances against the former president with the Department of Justice.
When questioned about potential pressure from Malacañang or the Senate, Torre reiterated his independence, saying, I informed the PNP chief that I'll be filing the cases, and he said, 'Go ahead, do your job.' This is my job.
Torre also emphasized that senators are free to file complaints against Duterte for his illicit remarks. Notably, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil was aware of Torre's plan to file the complaint and gave him the green light to proceed.
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III acknowledged the importance of the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation determining the value of evidence submitted against Duterte, stating that they should know, given the facts, whether a crime has been committed or not.
Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla, a close ally of Duterte, publicly apologized for the former president's comment, describing it as intended as a joke.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this case will play out and what implications it may have for Duterte's reputation and legacy.
