A lawmaker has suggested that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may review recent remarks made by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte regarding incumbent senators.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziq Adiong has emphasized the serious implications of such statements in a democratic society.

Adiong noted that if the NBI investigated similar remarks made by Vice President Sara Duterte concerning President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, it is only appropriate to subject the former president’s statements to the same level of scrutiny.

“In a democracy, words have power—especially when they come from someone who has held the highest office in the land. If certain statements warrant legal scrutiny, it is imperative that all similar declarations be assessed fairly and consistently,” Adiong said.

During a gathering in San Juan City, Duterte spoke about the upcoming elections and the composition of the Senate, suggesting an extreme course of action to secure victories for his allies.

“Anong dapat nating gawin? Eh di patayin na natin ang mga senador para magkaroon ng bakante. Kung makapatay tayo ng 15 senador, makukuha natin silang lahat,” Duterte said, referring to the possibility of replacing incumbent senators with candidates from his party. He then added, “Kung tutuusin, baka ang tanging paraan lang talaga ay pasabugin.”

His remarks were met with loud cheers from his supporters, who responded with chants of “Kill! Kill! Kill!”

Adiong expressed deep concern over these statements, recalling how similarly provocative rhetoric in the past had led to real-world consequences.

“Kung ang pagsabi ng bomb joke ay bawal sa batas at may kaakibat na kaparusahan, lalo na dapat ‘yung banta na magpapatay ka ng 15 senador,” he said.

He noted that while Duterte may later claim his words were spoken in jest, “pero hindi niya puwedeng itago sa joke ang pagbabanta sa mga senador.”

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Jester P. Manalastas