Philippine Vice President Duterte Posts Bail After Arrest Warrant Over Alleged Threat Against Marcos

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail at a Manila courthouse on Saturday, one day after a warrant was issued over an alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos.

Duterte faces a “grave threats” charge linked to a late-night news briefing. She said she had hired a hitman to kill Marcos, the president’s wife and a congressman cousin if she were killed first. She later said her remarks had been misconstrued.

“

The vice president voluntarily appeared before the court that issued the warrant, so there was no need for her to be arrested.

Her lawyer, Lawrence Lim, said Duterte voluntarily appeared before the court that issued the warrant, so police did not need to arrest her. Duterte emerged holding a court order confirming that she had posted a cash bond.

“

I don't want to (post bail) if no one is watching.

Before entering the courthouse, Duterte said she feared for her life. “I don't want to (post bail) if no one is watching,” she said, alleging police harassment. She also asked: “Will they throw me into the (jail) and then one night I die in my sleep?”

A conviction on the charge could bring up to six months in prison under Philippine law. Duterte’s legal team said she had “no intention of evading the law and will continue to exercise all her legal remedies.” Justice department officials rejected her lawyers’ argument that she could not face prosecution for offenses also connected to her impeachment.

“

Will they throw me into the (jail) and then one night I die in my sleep?

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in May on charges including graft and corruption. Her Senate trial has reached its ninth week. A guilty verdict would remove her from office and permanently bar her from politics, ending her planned 2028 presidential bid, which she announced in February.

“

No intention of evading the law and will continue to exercise all her legal remedies.