Philippine court issues arrest warrant for VP Duterte

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 has issued a warrant of arrest against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte over three counts of grave threats.

The charges stem from Duterte’s statements during an online press briefing in November 2024.

She said she had arranged for an individual to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as a warning of “revenge from the grave” if she were to be assassinated.

Duterte has denied making a genuine threat and previously argued that her statements had been taken out of context.

However, the court already found probable cause to hold Duterte for trial following the filing of criminal charges by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Court rejects jurisdiction challenge, sets bail

The court set bail at PHP120,000 for each count, allowing Duterte to seek temporary liberty while the case proceeds.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team said she has no intention of evading the law and will continue pursuing available legal remedies. 

Her camp had challenged the criminal proceedings, raising questions about the court’s jurisdiction and her status as an impeachable official.

The court rejected the motion to dismiss the case.

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Government reaffirms commitment to judicial process

Malacañang also said it respects the court’s decision, emphasizing that the government will abide by judicial orders. 

“The Palace respects any decision of or directive from the court,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, as quoted by Philippine News Agency.

Moreover, the DOJ re-affirmed its commitment to the rule of law following the issuance of the warrant.

Prior to the recent charges involving Duterte, she was impeached in May by the House of Representatives after being accused of misusing funds during her tenure as vice president and as secretary of the Department of Education.

The arrest warrant comes as Duterte faces an impeachment trial before the Senate.

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