Senator Robinhood Padilla on Tuesday questioned National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc about his knowledge of Islam during the fifth day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Padilla asked Lotoc, who is assigned to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, whether he has knowledge of Islam, saying officials assigned to the region should have at least a basic understanding of the religion.
“The religion of Islam is important because this is Muslim Mindanao, so there should be basic knowledge of Islam,” Padilla said.
Lotoc responded that any NBI official may be assigned to any regional office in the country.
When pressed further, Lotoc said he has limited knowledge of Islam, explaining that he is a Christian and does not claim to know everything about the religion.
Padilla also questioned Lotoc about his assignment to BARMM and the series of promotions he received during his 12 years with the NBI, asking whether he was considered a “golden boy” within the bureau.
Lotoc declined to comment on the characterization but said he rose through the ranks from Investigation Agent I to Regional Director during his years of service.
Lotoc is one of the NBI officials who investigated Duterte’s November 2024 remarks, which are the subject of Article IV of the Articles of Impeachment concerning alleged grave threats and inciting to sedition.
