BRANCH 98 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City issued a warrant of arrest against Vice President Sara Duterte on Sept. 4 on all three counts of grave threats stemming from the alleged assassination threat towards President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Presided over by Judge Maria Angelica T. de Ramos, the court set bail at P120,000 for each count, or P360,000 in total.

The charges stemmed from a late-night virtual Zoom conference held in Nov. 2024, wherein the vice president discussed contacting a hitman to target President Marcos and his family. “Huwag kang mag-alala, Ma’am sa security ko, kasi may kinausap na ako na tao. Sinabi  ko sa kanya, kapag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez,” Duterte said.

In a statement released by Duterte on Sept. 5, she said that she fears for the safety of her being and her children. “I have documented threats and harassment since 2023. I fear for my children. I do not feel they are safe if I am with them. Umalis na nga ako kung nasaan mga anak ko para pumunta sa korte pero pumunta pa rin ang pulis.”

“I do not feel safe. Pakiramdam ko papatayin nila ako,” she added.

Denial for motion

Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Polo Martinez said the agency respects the RTC’s decision after the court denied Duterte’s motion to recall or defer the arrest warrant. The court also found probable cause on all three counts of grave threats and ordered the issuance of the warrant.

Martinez said the DOJ respects the RTC’s ruling and remains committed to the rule of law.

Duterte’s legal team, meanwhile, sought an oral hearing and argued that she cannot face a criminal case while serving as an impeachable official.

Paul Lawrence Lim, Duterte’s lawyer, argues that if his client can be indicted and prosecuted, this should go both ways to other impeachable officers. “If a sitting Vice President may be indicted and prosecuted, then other incumbent impeachable officers such as the Ombudsman, members of the Constitutional Commissions, Supreme Court Justices, and even the President, may also be indicted and prosecuted.”

Legal experts have said that the vice presidency does not carry the same immunity from suit as the presidency, meaning Duterte may be subject to criminal proceedings while in office.

Separate trial

Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian said the RTC’s arrest warrant would not affect the Senate impeachment proceedings because the criminal case is being handled by a separate court.

Gatchalian added that the RTC’s finding of probable cause is a separate judicial process from the impeachment proceedings.

“The court has determined probable cause and there will be a hearing but that doesn’t mean she is guilty. That is the same with the impeachment court, there will be a presentation to the defense and other decisions,” the Senate President added.

Response to the arrest warrant

Leila De Lima, Representative of Mamamayang Liberal, said that the criminal case against Duterte was long overdue. “Kahit paikut-ikutin o daanin sa mga palusot, napakalinaw ng pagbabanta. Ang paglalabas ng warrant of arrest ng korte ay nangangahulugan na matapos nitong suriin ang ebidensyang nasa record, nakitaan ito ng sapat na dahilan upang litisin ang Bise Presidente.”

The congressman added that while Duterte is not used to being held accountable for her actions, she must now answer the accusations against her in a criminal court.