Vice President Sara Duterte’s declaration that she no longer feels safe has drawn a challenge from Malacañang to produce evidence of any threat, with the Palace saying authorities have no documented complaint that would substantiate her concerns.
Duterte voiced her apprehension over the weekend while appearing at the Quezon City Hall of Justice to post bail on three counts of grave threats. She openly questioned whether she could trust the police, the courts and even those assigned to secure her.
Her concerns, she said, did not begin with the criminal case. Duterte claimed she had documented threats and harassment involving her family dating back to 2023, although she has not publicly identified who she believes was responsible.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said Monday that information relayed by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and NBI Director Melvin Matibag showed no record, report or complaint involving a threat to Duterte’s life.
Police have separately said they have yet to verify a security threat against the Vice President or her family. The PNP nevertheless said it would continue assessing the situation and has encouraged Duterte’s camp to turn over any documents or information that could be investigated.
The dispute unfolded days after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant against Duterte in connection with remarks involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte subsequently posted bail. The court’s finding of probable cause does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Malacañang maintained that Duterte continues to receive government protection and rejected the suggestion that law enforcement agencies would be used against her. The Palace had earlier said the administration would not allow the police force to become an instrument of violence.
Castro also pushed back against Duterte’s distrust of the judiciary, saying Filipinos should not be encouraged to lose confidence in the justice system. Duterte, meanwhile, has not withdrawn her safety concerns, leaving authorities to determine whether evidence submitted by her camp could establish a specific or credible threat.
