DOJ chief vows 'fairness' in probe into sedition raps vs Robredo
MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured the public of "utmost fairness" in the proceedings on the charges against Vice President Leni Robredo.
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group had filed sedition, inciting to sedition, cyberlibel, libel estafa, harboring a criminal and obstruction of justice charges against Robredo and 35 others in connection to the "Bikoy" narco list videos.
According to the DOJ chief, the special panel of state prosecutors handling the case will start the preliminary investigation soon.
Subpoenas may be issued to the accused on Friday, Guevarra said.
"The evidence, or the lack of it, will speak for itself. In the ordinary course of things, the complaint shall be dismissed as to those respondents against whom no evidence is presented, while those against whom no evidence is presented, while those against whom sufficient evidence is presented shall accordingly be indicted," Guevarra said in a statement.
The Robredo camp, meanwhile, said the vice president is ready to face the charges against her.
Barry Gutierrez, spokesperson of Robredo, earlier said the allegations against the vice president is politically motivated.
This follows the remarks of defeated senatorial bet Larry Gadon, lawyer of Peter Joemel Advincula alias "Bikoy", that he intends to file an impeachment complaint against Robredo if she gets indicted.
"If Mrs. Robredo is indicted then that would be the next step — the impeachment proceedings against her. That's the plan, but that's my plan only," Gadon told ANC on Thursday, adding that the Office of the Solicitor General is not involved in this matter. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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