Arrest warrant issued for Vice President Sara Duterte in grave threats case
A Quezon City court has authorized an arrest warrant against Vice President Sara Duterte over three counts of grave threats, according to her lawyer.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court, Branch 98, issued an arrest warrant for Vice President Sara Duterte on three counts of grave threats after the Department of Justice filed the charges. The warrant sets bail at P120,000 per count. Duterte’s counsel, Paul Lawrence Lim, said she will not flee and will pursue all legal remedies, including a motion to quash the case on the ground of limited procedural immunity for impeachable officials.
The Department of Justice affirmed it will respect the court’s decision and enforce the warrant. The case highlights a rare legal challenge to a sitting vice president’s accountability.
How this was covered
- Centrist coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
It shows a sitting vice president facing criminal proceedings, raising questions about executive accountability and legal immunity.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage emphasizes the legal process, bail and jurisdiction questions, while right-leaning coverage frames the warrant as part of a high-stakes political showdown and impeachment that could affect Duterte’s presidential ambitions; Centrist coverage reports the procedural details of her skipping court and the police presence.
LEFT
Focuses on the arrest warrant as a legal matter, highlighting bail, the lawyer’s pledge not to evade the law, and questions about the court’s jurisdiction over a sitting vice president
RIGHT
Portrays the warrant as a political blow in a showdown with President Marcos, linking it to her impeachment and potential derailment of her 2028 presidential plans
The left emphasises
- arrest warrant issued for "grave threats"
- lawyer says Duterte will not evade the law and will pursue legal remedies
- questions about the court’s jurisdiction over a sitting vice president
The right emphasises
- arrest tied to alleged assassination threat against President Marcos and others
- framed as part of a political showdown and impeachment trial
- potential impact on Duterte’s bid for the 2028 presidency
How this story developed
- Sep 4 Arrest warrant issued for Vice President Sara Duterte in grave threats case
- Sep 4 The Department of Justice announced it will honor the court’s arrest warrant.
In this story
