A Quezon City Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest against Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with her grave threats case, her lawyer confirmed on Friday, September 4. Department of Justice spokesperson Raphael Martinez stated that the court set bail at P120,000 for each count of grave threats, while Duterte’s legal team maintained that she has no intention of evading the law despite ongoing questions regarding court jurisdiction.
Court Denies Motion to Recall Warrants
Quezon City RTC Branch 98 denied the motion filed by the Vice President’s camp to defer or recall the arrest warrants. According to Department of Justice spokesperson Raphael Martinez, the court found probable cause to hold the accused for trial on all three counts of Grave Threats. Martinez added that the Department respects the ruling and reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law.
The justice department filed the three counts of grave threats in August. The charges relate to alleged assassination threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza, and his cousin, former House speaker Martin Romualdez. These legal actions follow complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation after a midnight press conference on November 23, 2024. During that appearance, Duterte told supporters not to worry about her safety because she had already talked to someone who would assassinate Marcos and his family if she were killed. She asserted and repeated at the time that she was not joking.
Did You Know? Grave threat is a bailable offense, and the Quezon City Regional Trial Court set the bail amount at P120,000 for each of the three counts filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Legal Arguments Over Impeachable Immunity
Beyond filing the motion to defer the warrant, the Vice President’s camp sought oral hearings. They argued that Duterte cannot face a criminal case because she is an impeachable official. Lawyer Paul Lawrence Lim warned on August 13 that indicting a sitting Vice President would open other incumbent impeachable officers, including the Ombudsman, members of Constitutional Commissions, Supreme Court Justices, and the President, to indictment and prosecution.
Several legal experts have previously weighed in on the matter. Father Joaquin Bernas, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, noted that the country’s second-in-command is not immune from suit, unlike the president. These grave threats allegations also form part of the four articles of impeachment against Duterte in her ongoing impeachment trial. When asked if the court decision settled the jurisdictional dispute, Martinez confirmed that the court denied the motion for lack of merit and that the case will now proceed to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bail amount for the grave threats case against Vice President Sara Duterte?
The court set the bail at P120,000 for each count of grave threats.
Which court issued the warrant of arrest?
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court, specifically Branch 98, issued the warrant.
What are the underlying allegations behind the charges?
The charges stem from alleged assassination threats directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza, and his cousin, former House speaker Martin Romualdez, following complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation.
How will the defense handle the upcoming court proceedings as the case transitions to trial?