MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail Saturday after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant against her over three counts of grave threats, saying her lawyers advised her that bail would provide greater security than police custody.
Duterte appeared before the QC RTC Branch 98 with her lawyers, Atty. Paul Lawrence Lim and Atty. Michael Poa, to post bail. The court set bail at P120,000 for each count.
“My lawyers spoke with me and advised me to post bail, instead of remaining in a separate confinement while in police custody,” Duterte said in a statement posted on Facebook.
She said her lawyers also advised her that civilian protection would better ensure her safety than detention, where she could face greater security risks.
The charges stem from Duterte’s reported threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte said she had faced pressure and harassment from the administration since 2023. She also expressed concern for the safety of her mother and children.
“I do not feel that my mother and children will be safe if I stayed with them, and I am deeply concerned about their safety and well-being,” she said.
Duterte also said she feared for her own safety and linked her concerns to broader worries among Filipinos about their families, livelihoods, property and access to public services.
“My fears are shared by the majority of citizens,” she said.
“They worry, not only about the safety of their families, their lives and their dignity, but also about their property and livelihoods, given the lack of adequate public services and rampant corruption,” she added.
