However, Lotoc maintained that the NBI believes Duterte contracted a person to carry out the alleged plot based on the evidence gathered during its investigation.

During the fifth day of the trial, defense lawyer Mark Vinluan questioned Lotoc on whether he had personal knowledge that Duterte’s allegations accusing Marcos and some lawmakers of corruption were “true and happened in real life.”

Lotoc said the NBI was able to confirm the existence of Duterte’s statements, but he clarified that he had no firsthand knowledge of whether the accusations were true.

“As [for] the existence of that utterances, yes, your Honor,” Lotoc said.

“Based on our investigation, as to the existence of that utterances dahil may mga pieces of evidence kami. Whether or not nangyari ’yan, wala ho akong personal knowledge,” he added.

Vinluan then pointed out that, in the same manner, Lotoc also had no personal knowledge that Duterte actually contracted an assassin.

“In the same way, you also do not have personal knowledge that VP Sara contracted an assassin,” Vinluan said.

Lotoc referred to the Vice President’s November 2024 video statement, where she allegedly mentioned the existence of a person she had contacted in connection with the threats against Marcos, the First Lady, and Romualdez.

“That utterance made by the Vice President that she contracted a person, I do believe that, Sir, because of the pieces of evidence that we’ve gathered,” Lotoc said.

Vinluan pressed Lotoc further, asking whether the NBI official personally knew that Duterte had actually hired an assassin or another individual to carry out the alleged act.

“I’m asking if you have knowledge based on this that the Vice President really contracted an assassin or a person,” Vinluan asked.

“We do believe that the Vice President had contracted, but I don’t have personal knowledge. We do believe based on the evidence that we gathered and based on our investigation,” Lotoc said, when Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero asked whether he had personal knowledge that Duterte contracted an assassin.

Lotoc emphasized that the NBI’s belief was based on its assessment of the evidence collected during the investigation, rather than on direct knowledge of any alleged transaction between Duterte and another person.