Vice President Sara Duterte now faces an arrest warrant from a Quezon City court over three counts of grave threats, opening a new stage in the criminal case stemming from remarks she made during a controversial online briefing.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court set bail at Php 120,000 for each charge, requiring a total of Php 360,000 for Duterte to remain at liberty while the proceedings continue.
The charges involve grave threats in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The case traces back to Duterte’s November 2024 remarks concerning President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte has disputed the interpretation of those remarks and challenged the criminal proceedings, with her defense raising questions over the Quezon City court’s jurisdiction.
Her lawyer Paul Lawrence Lim confirmed Friday that the warrant had been issued but said Duterte would not avoid the judicial process.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla separately said Duterte’s lawyers had acknowledged receiving the warrant and indicated that they intended to post bail as soon as possible.
Her defense said it would continue pursuing available legal remedies as the grave threats case proceeds before the court.
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the Palace respects the decision of the concerned court.
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacañang respects the decision of the court handling the case.
Grave threats is also among the allegations raised in the articles of impeachment against the Vice President and has been taken up during the Senate impeachment proceedings.
