Senator-judge Vicente “Tito” Sotto III sought clarification on the specific charges being discussed during the fifth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, particularly the allegation of grave threats.

During his questioning of NBI-BARMM Regional Director Atty. Jeremy Lotoc, the prosecution’s second witness, Sotto asked whether the alleged offenses of grave threats and inciting to sedition were matters typically handled by regular courts.

“Naliligaw doon sa discussion of grave threats and inciting to sedition. Diba regular courts naka-charge ‘yun, Mr. Witness?” Sotto asked.

Lotoc responded that the matter was still under preliminary investigation by the NBI Cybercrime Division.

“As far as the NBI Cybercrime Division is concerned, wala pa ho sa court. Nasa preliminary investigation pa lang,” Lotoc said.

Sotto explained that he raised the issue to clarify the impeachment proceedings for the public, noting that the charges before the impeachment court involve betrayal of public trust and other high crimes.

“Pero sa regular courts ‘yun finifile diba? Ang naka-file dito sa impeachment court ay betrayal of public trust diba? Tsaka other high crimes? Hindi grave threats at inciting to sedition? Pero hindi ‘yun ang main charge diba? Betrayal of public trust? Kasi naliligaw ako eh,” Sotto said.

The Senate impeachment court continues its proceedings on the allegations against Vice President Duterte, including the article on alleged grave threats.