MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte was not interested to file charges against those mentioned in the latest “Oust Duterte” matrix released to the public the other day.
During his speech in Bohol on Wednesday, Duterte said he has no desire to pursue cases against those who were plotting to discredit his administration.
“I am not interested to file cases,” said Duterte.
He added the information on the matrix was handed to the office of the President by members of the foreign intelligence community.
Malacañang on Wednesday alleged the Liberal Party, Magdalo partylist group, certain media outfits, and some personalities of connivance to oust the President.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo showed several matrices linking groups and individuals, including some “Otso Diretso” senatorial bets, to an ouster plot.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will check if there was ‘enough factual bases’ in Panelo’s story.
“I have not seen this new ouster matrix,” said DOJ secretary Menardo Guevarra.
“In any event, the DOJ will study this further to determine if there was enough factual bases to refer this new matrix to the NBI for investigation,” he added.
Panelo said it was up to the DOJ to pursue the necessary charges against those he mentioned as plotters against the administration.
“We will leave to the DOJ the task of prosecuting the people who appear to have violated the law. Due process is given, its observance is unequivocal as it is mandatory, as demanded by the Constitution,” he said.
“It is in the legal arena that the rules on evidence will hold sway. The parties will be given their day in court,” added Panelo. /PN
