Photo: Screen shot of Vice President Sara Duterte from her zoom con

MANILA, Philippines – Three journalists who participated in the controversial virtual press conference of Vice President Sara Duterte  appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation to shed light on what transpired during the meeting. 

The reporters were from Manila Times, Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer who were all assigned to cover the Office of the Vice President. 

NBI Director Jaime Santiago had earlier said that everyone who participated in the zoom meeting, as well as the organizers of the press con and even the owner of the platform would be invited for questioning on what exactly happened leading to the Vice President’s threat. 

Last November 29, Duterte was subpoenaed by the NBI to explain her threat to President Marcos Jr. First Lady Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romuladez. She however did not appear over supposed conflict on her commitment with the House of Representatives. 

Santiago clarified that the members of the press will not be charged with anything and that the NBI is just after building the bigger picture of what could have led the Vice President to drop her kill plot. 

Of the about 20 journalists who were in the meeting, Santiago said they only invited about 10-12 or those who only actively participated. 

Duterte had repeatedly said that her statement was “maliciously taken out of context” and that the threat would only materialize once she gets killed first. 

The Vice President asked for a resetting of her appearance, a request graciously extended by the NBI. Subpoena rescheduling the inquiry on Duterte was already rescheduled to December 11. 

Santiago said that if the Vice President fails to attend the inquiry once again without proper notice, they will proceed with the investigation.