Vice President Sara Duterte Posts Bail Amid Grave Threat Charges

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte posted 360,000 pesos in bail on Saturday to secure her provisional liberty after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant for her. The charges involve three counts of grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. The legal action follows an online press conference on November 23, 2024, where Duterte allegedly stated she had spoken to someone about killing the three individuals if she herself were killed. Duterte has denied the allegations, stating she was expressing concern for her own safety.

During the proceedings at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Duterte expressed significant fear for her safety, stating that she did not trust the police, the courts, or her own security detail. She requested that journalists accompany her into the building to serve as witnesses. Her lawyers noted that she posted bail to avoid police custody, which they argued would leave her more isolated and less protected than being among civilians. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the Vice President had not reported any threats to the police.

The case is situated within a broader political conflict between the Marcos and Duterte families, who were running mates in the 2022 elections. The House of Representatives has voted to impeach Duterte over allegations including the misuse of confidential state funds and unexplained wealth. A conviction in the current criminal case could potentially disqualify her from holding public office or seeking the presidency in 2028. Additionally, the Vice President has criticized the Marcos administration for the surrender of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to the International Criminal Court.