Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte Posts Bail After Arrest Order
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Vice President Sara Duterte posted a 360,000-peso bail following an arrest order related to alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others, while denying the accusations.
Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail on Saturday after a Manila court issued an arrest order the day before on charges that she publicly threatened to arrange the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and two other individuals. Duterte appeared in a black outfit at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, where she comforted supporters and asked journalists to accompany her, saying she did not feel safe with police presence.
She presented a court order lifting the arrest warrant and said her lawyers advised her to keep a copy. "If possible please go with me, because I do not feel safe with all these police personnel who are harassing those at my home, harassing me since 2023," Duterte said.
Attorney Paul Lawrence Lim confirmed that court staff took Duterte's fingerprints and that she posted a bail of 360,000 pesos (about $5,740) for three counts of grave threats. He added that Duterte intends to contest the charges and will use all legal remedies available.
The case stems from comments made during a 2024 online news conference, where Duterte said she would have Marcos, his wife and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez killed if she were assassinated. She later claimed the remarks expressed concern for her safety rather than a genuine threat. A conviction could bar her from holding public office and from running for president in 2028.
The legal battle occurs amid a broader political conflict between Duterte and Marcos, who were former running mates in the 2022 election. The House of Representatives, dominated by Marcos allies, previously voted to impeach Duterte on separate allegations, and the Senate is conducting a televised impeachment trial.
"She has no intention of evading the law and will continue to exercise all her legal remedies," Lim said in a statement.
The dispute reflects ongoing tensions between the two political dynasties, with differing positions on foreign policy and domestic security.