MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail on Saturday, September 5, 2026, following an arrest warrant issued the previous day. She faces charges of publicly threatening to arrange the assassinations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Emerging from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court in a black outfit, Duterte comforted emotional supporters, hugging a sobbing woman as crowds chanted her name. The vice president, who has denied the allegations, displayed the court order lifting the arrest warrant and advised her legal team to keep copies on hand. Citing safety concerns, she asked journalists to accompany her to her vehicle.
“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. “What does this administration really want to do with me?”
Paul Lawrence Lim, one of her attorneys, stated that Duterte provided fingerprints and posted a 360,000-peso ($5,740) bail for three counts of grave threats. Lim emphasized that she intends to fight the charges and will continue to exercise all legal remedies.
The case is widely viewed as a critical element in the escalating political rivalry between Duterte and Marcos. A conviction could permanently disqualify her from public office and bar her from running in the 2028 presidential election, which coincides with the end of Marcos’s six-year term.
The charges originate from comments Duterte made during a 2024 online news conference. She stated that if she were killed, an assassin would be dispatched to kill Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez. Duterte later clarified that her remarks reflected concerns for her personal safety rather than a threat against the president, sparking a criminal investigation and national security debates.
In May, the House of Representatives, controlled by Marcos allies, voted to impeach Duterte over allegations of unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, and the online threats. The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, began a televised trial in July.
Marcos and Duterte were running mates in the 2022 elections, uniting two of the Philippines’ most powerful political dynasties. Marcos is the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., while Sara Duterte is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The relationship has deteriorated significantly, partly due to the 2025 arrest of Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court. He is detained in The Hague and faces trial beginning in late November for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his brutal anti-drug campaign. Sara Duterte criticized the Marcos administration for surrendering her father to a court that lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines.
Geopolitical differences have also widened the rift. Marcos has strengthened defense ties with the United States to counter China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, while Duterte has faced criticism for not condemning Chinese use of water cannons against Filipino forces and fishermen in disputed waters.
She looked so composed and strong today. I hope justice is served fairly for everyone involved in this political storm.
Wait, is the bail really only five thousand dollars? Seems incredibly low for charges involving threats against the President.
This rivalry is getting out of hand. Two powerful dynasties tearing each other apart isn’t good for the country’s stability.
I’m skeptical about the timing. Isn’t this all happening right before the 28 elections? Seems highly politically motivated.
Poor emotional support hugging her like that. It’s sad to see how divided the nation has become over these issues.