Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte posted bail at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on September 5, 2026, following the issuance of an arrest warrant a day earlier for alleged grave threats [1, 2, 3, 4]. Bail was set at 120,000 Philippine pesos (about US$1,900) per count for three counts related to the case [2].
The charges stem from a November 2024 press briefing in which Duterte claimed to have hired a hitman to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and a congressman cousin if she were killed first [1, 2, 3, 4]. Duterte denies the allegations and says her comments were misconstrued, insisting she did not threaten the president or his family [1, 2, 3, 4].
The grave threats charge carries a maximum jail term of up to six months under Philippine law [1, 4]. Duterte voluntarily appeared at the court issuing the warrant, preventing a physical arrest, and her lawyer stressed her cooperation with legal proceedings [1].
Duterte, who announced her 2028 presidential bid in February 2026, is currently undergoing a Senate impeachment trial on multiple charges including graft, corruption, and the alleged assassination threats [1, 3, 4]. A guilty verdict in the trial could remove her from office and bar her from politics permanently, ending her presidential aspirations [1, 3, 4].
The vice-president criticized authorities, accusing them of harassment and expressing fears for her safety. "If I post bail, the harassment won’t stop. If I don’t post bail, I’ll be taken to the police. I have no trust in the police, I have no trust in the courts. I do not feel safe at all," she said [2]. She also questioned, "Who would be held accountable if I die tonight? Police will simply wash their hands and call it an accident" [2].
Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla responded to Duterte's safety claims by saying police treated her with respect and suggested that pressure affected her view of the situation [2]. The presidential office declined immediate comment but said it would respect court decisions [2].
Duterte's legal team had earlier stated she intended no evasion of justice and would continue to seek legal remedies [1, 4]. She was impeached by the House of Representatives in May 2026 prior to the ongoing Senate trial [1, 4].
Duterte showed reporters the court order confirming bail payment during her court appearance on September 5. The next major proceedings in her impeachment trial and related legal matters are expected in the coming weeks.
