Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte has posted bail after a court issued a warrant for her arrest. She faces charges of making grave threats after publicly saying she would have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and two other people killed if she were assassinated. Duterte, who denies the allegations, paid 360,000 pesos ($5,740) in bail to remain free while fighting the legal case.
Court officials in Metro Manila processed Duterte's paperwork and took her fingerprints before lifting the arrest warrant. After leaving the court, Duterte met with supporters and told reporters she did not feel safe due to police presence near her home. Her attorney stated that she will follow legal procedures and fight all charges in court.
The charges stem from comments Duterte made during a 2024 online news conference. She later claimed she was expressing concern for her own safety rather than making an actual threat. If she is convicted, the court decision could permanently disqualify her from holding public office and prevent her from running for president in 2028 when Marcos's term ends.
Although Marcos and Duterte won the 2022 elections as political partners, their relationship has turned into a major political rivalry. The two leaders come from powerful political families with contrasting views on domestic governance and foreign policy. The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte earlier this year, and her impeachment trial in the Senate opened in July.