Castro dismayed over dismissal of grave threat raps vs ex-president Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — A progressive lawmaker is disappointed over the dismissal of a criminal complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte due to a televised death threat.

In a statement released this Saturday, House Deputy Minority leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro gave her thoughts on the recent decision of the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

"I am dismayed over the reported junking of the grave threat case that I've filed against against former President Rodrigo Duterte because it fails to recognize the fear that [the death threat] has caused me and my family," said Castro in Filipino.

"It's akin to denying me justice."

Castro last October sought legal action against Duterte in response to threats against the former's life over a television program. The attacks were uttered by Duterte in response to Castro's scrutiny of the confidential funds of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.

This was followed by another threat from Duterte in an interview again with SMNI last November 16.

The QC fiscal's office however said that the evidence was "insufficient" to indict Duterte for grave threats "for the crime appear to have been not sufficiently and concretely established."

Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ulric Badiola said that Duterte even interjected with sarcastic jokes and using terms in just, allegedly indicating that "he is not that serious enough to really execute and materialize the threats allegedly conceived in his mind."

"We still haven't recieved the fiscal's decision," continued Castro.

"We still need to study the decision and consult with my lawyer in regards to our next course of actions."

This was the first criminal complaint against Duterte after he lost his presidential immunity from suit.

Prior to this, the former president is known for hurling threats of various kinds against progressives, human rights advocates, activists and media.