During the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Agent John Mark Calilung testified that her alleged statements about instructing someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez constituted a serious threat.

Calilung explained that authorities assess whether the person making the statement has the capability to carry it out, emphasizing that the remark's phrasing 'no joke, no joke' indicated intent.

The testimony focused on Article IV of the impeachment case, which alleges Duterte violated the Constitution by making grave threats and inciting sedition.

Calilung, leading the NBI's cyber investigation into the November 2024 press conference remarks, highlighted digital evidence verification processes.

Defense counsel argued the comments were made amid legal tensions involving Duterte's chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, who was detained for contempt.The case underscores legal debates on free speech versus threats in political contexts.