Torre Files Complaints vs. Ex-President Rodrigo Duterte at DOJ
RODRIGO DUTERTE – The former Philippine President is faced with inciting to sedition and unlawful utterances complaints filed by police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Major General Nicholas Torre.
It is no secret to the public that former Pres. Duterte is really a man who talks a lot. To recall, there were several instances when his statements had left his name on headlines and gathered both praises and criticisms for what he said.
Recently, several politicians have reacted to the “kill” remark of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte against 15 senators. At the proclamation rally of the PDP-Laban, the former President said that they may eliminate 15 senators so there would be vacancies in the upper chamber and their bets can occupy these slots.
The PDP-Laban supports the senatorial bid of 9 candidates. Sen. Bato dela Rosa who is endorsed by PDP-Laban defended the remark of Duterte. Dela Rosa who was the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the Duterte administration tagged the statement as a “joke” of the former Chief Executive.
Amid the issue, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Major General Nicholas Torre filed complaints against former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Torre filed inciting to sedition and unlawful utterances complaints against the former President at the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, CIDG Chief Nicholas Torre filed the complaint for “case buildup” under the Department Circular No. 20 of the DOJ. Under the system, the complaints will be evaluated by the prosecutor to ensure that there is “reasonable certainty of conviction” and not just “probable cause”.
According to Torre, he filed the complaints against the possibility that the “blind supporters” of Duterte will take his statements seriously. Based on the report, the CIDG Chief stressed his being a policeman with a mandate to ensure the protection of the Filipino people from criminal activities.
“Maliit lang tingnan iyan pero being uttered by a former President, ay hindi malayong gayahin or will be taken seriously by his blind supporters,” Torre said.
Based on the report, CIDG Chief Nicholas Torre acknowledged that the PNP-CIDG is aware that former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte speaks a colorful language but it should allegedly no longer be allowed. He stressed that statements tagged later on as joke if taken on his word must no longer be tolerated.
“This is beyond politics eh… maliwanag na enumeration ng violation of laws, nakasulat sa ating mga batas, hindi pwedeng lapastanganin na lang iyan ng ganon-ganon na lang lalo na ng taong palaging nasa limelight,” the CIDG Chief said.
Amid the issue regarding the “kill” remark, Pres. Bongbong Marcos seemingly chided the statement of former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.