Sara Duterte posts bail after court orders her arrest over threats against Marcos Jr.

Sara Duterte paid bail after a Philippine court ordered her arrest in a case involving threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and people close to him, deepening the feud between the leaders of the country's two main political dynasties.

Duterte appeared at the Quezon City trial court with her legal team. Her lawyer, Paul Lawrence Lim, confirmed that she deposited 120,000 Philippine pesos, about $1,900, for each of the three grave-threat charges. Supporters gathered outside the court as her lawyers left.

The arrest order does not establish guilt. The court issued it on Friday after rejecting Duterte's request to postpone or revoke the order, finding probable cause to send the case to trial. The allegations date to late 2024, during her break with Marcos Jr. Duterte had said she hired someone to kill the president, his wife and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed first. She later argued that her remarks had been taken out of context.

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It remains to be seen whether Filipinos perceive this as an exercise in accountability or as political persecution.

Duterte and Marcos Jr. won the 2022 election as allies, but their relationship collapsed during political disputes. Duterte left the government in June 2024. Political analyst Cleve V. Arguelles said it remained unclear whether Filipinos would view the case as accountability or political persecution.

Duterte said people had harassed the place where her mother and son were staying. "I do not feel safe at all," she said, according to Philstar. She also faces a Senate impeachment trial over allegations including abuse of power, corruption and threats against the president. A verdict is expected before the end of the year, and could lead to her removal and disqualification, blocking her anticipated 2028 presidential campaign.

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They have harassed the place where my mother and my son are. Where do I go? If I pay bail, the harassment will not stop. If I do not, I will go with the police. I do not trust the police or the courts. Who will answer if I die tonight? Who will be held accountable? I do not feel safe at all.