Vice President Sara Duterte has sent word the she will once again skip her appearance before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to host a Christmas party journalists assigned to the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

But Duterte appeared to be disinterested in showing up at the NBI headquarters as she pointed out her lawyer has given advice that she does not have to heed the invitation.

Many lawyers believe that Duterte, being an impeachable officer, cannot be held accountable for offenses that will result to her removal in office.

The NBI has invited the vice president to answer questions in connection with the reported threats she made against President Marcos, his wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos and cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Interviewed by reporters in Davao, Duterte said she cannot make it to the NBI because of the party she will host for OVP reporters.

“I am also unavailable on that day because aside from that (advice by lawyers), we will also hold our Thanksgiving activities on Dec. 11,” she said.

“From what I understand, based on my lawyers’ explanation about the NBI investigation, I was told that I can skip it,” she said.

Duterte added: “They said I can just submit a letter, an affidavit or a postion paper, but it will be based on my decision.”

It will be recalled that Duterte also did not show up at the NBI when invited on Nov. 29, saying that the schedule was in conflict with a Lower House hearing she was scheduled to attend that day.

However, the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability decided to re-schedule its hearing to ensure her presence at the NBI.

Duterte’s office has sent invitations to the OVP media for a lunch party at her office in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (Dec. 11).