Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail on Saturday after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant against her over three counts of grave threats. The case stems from remarks she made during an online press conference in November 2024 involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte Posts 360,000 Pesos Bail
Duterte appeared at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Saturday to comply with the arrest order and secure her release. Her lawyers said she had no intention of avoiding the legal process and would continue pursuing available legal remedies.
The court had set bail at 120,000 pesos for each of the three charges, bringing the total amount to 360,000 pesos, or roughly $5,740.
After posting bail, the court lifted the arrest warrant. Duterte, dressed in black, was surrounded by supporters and police personnel as she left the courthouse.
The vice president said she felt unsafe and accused authorities of continuing to harass her. She questioned the government’s actions against her and asked journalists to accompany her as she left the court.
Case Linked to 2024 Online Remarks
The criminal case centers on statements Duterte made during a late-night virtual news conference in November 2024. During the event, she said she had spoken with an individual who would kill Marcos, his wife and Romualdez if she were assassinated.
Duterte has rejected the interpretation that her comments amounted to a direct threat. She has argued that her remarks were made in the context of concerns about her own security and were later taken out of context.
The Quezon City court previously found probable cause to proceed with the three grave-threat charges. The Department of Justice has maintained that the case should move forward, while Duterte’s legal team has challenged the government’s authority to prosecute her while she remains an impeachable official.
Legal Battle Could Affect Duterte’s 2028 Plans
The criminal proceedings come as Duterte faces a separate impeachment trial before the Philippine Senate. The alleged threats are also part of the impeachment case against her, alongside accusations involving the handling of confidential government funds.
A conviction in the criminal case could have serious consequences for Duterte’s political future, including her reported plans to seek the Philippine presidency in 2028. Her impeachment trial could also result in her removal from office if the Senate finds her guilty.
The developments represent another major escalation in the political conflict between the Marcos and Duterte families. Marcos and Sara Duterte were political allies during the 2022 election, but their relationship deteriorated significantly in 2024.
The dispute has since expanded into criminal, constitutional and political battles, making Duterte’s legal challenges one of the most closely watched developments in Philippine politics.
