Grave threat complaint vs ex-Pres. Duterte, revocation of SMNI franchise eyed — lawmaker

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 15) — ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro on Sunday bared that the Makabayan bloc is eyeing to file a grave threat complaint against former President Rodrigo Duterte following the threats he made against her in relation to the confidential fund request by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

«Tinitignan pa ng abogado natin kung ano ‘yung puwedeng ikaso. Sa initial, sinasabi nila ‘yung grave threat dahil ito ay direkta nang banta sa buhay ko, sa aking pamilya, at tingin ko sa lahat din ng mga against sa confidential funds o sa maling paggamit ng confidential funds and intelligence funds,» Castro said in a media briefing.

[Translation: Our lawyer is looking into possible cases. They initially mentioned grave threat because it was a direct threat to my life and my family, and I think even to those against confidential funds or the misuse of confidential funds and intelligence funds.]

In an interview with his spiritual adviser Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) last week, former President Duterte defended his daughter’s controversial request for confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

The former president said the first target of his daughter's proposed secret funds should be Castro. He also red-tagged the minority lawmaker and the rest of the Makabayan bloc.

On Saturday, House lawmakers said they took “utmost exception” to the elder Duterte's statement.

They also called on the former president «to avoid making threats or insinuating harm against any member of the House or the institution itself.»

«Threatening the lives of elected representatives is a blatant violation and a dangerous attack on the rights of individuals who are merely pushing for transparency and accountability in government spending,» said Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas.

Makabayan mulls revocation of SMNI’s franchise

During the media briefing on Sunday, Castro also said the Makabayan bloc is mulling filing a House resolution calling for the revocation of SMNI’s franchise.

«Pinag-aaralan din namin ‘yung House resolution para i-revoke ‘yung franchise nitong SMNI dahil