In the implementation of justice, the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the grave threat complaint filed by Rep. France Castro against former President Rodrigo Duterte due to lack of evidence. This event highlighted Duterte’s statements in an interview with SMNI in October, where he red-tagged the legislator and made derogatory remarks about her.
According to the statement from the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, there was insufficient evidence to support Rep. France Castro’s accusation. It is expected that a complaint, especially related to intimidation or instilling fear, should have enough basis to warrant an investigation. However, the office concluded that there was not enough evidence to provide a sufficient basis for this complaint.
The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office also emphasized that if the respondent’s true intention was to intimidate and take his statements seriously, he should not have added numerous prologues and instead opted to immediately express the threats. The office pointed out that Duterte’s manner of expression was not consistent with someone genuinely concerned or fearful.
The complaint of grave threat filed by Act Teachers Representative France Castro against former President Rodrigo Duterte has been junked by the Quezon City Prosecutors Office. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/zi8NyDHI88
— Russel Loreto (@RusselLoretoINQ) January 12, 2024
This incident has sparked various reactions from the public, with many criticizing former President Duterte’s choice of language, which at times appears disrespectful towards women. There is a notable expression of dissent against the decision of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.