A Philippine court recently issued an arrest order for Vice President Sara Duterte on charges of making public threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others. These charges follow her impeachment by the House of Representatives in May for the same allegations and financial irregularities.
The political landscape in the Philippines is tense as Duterte faces off against Marcos. A potential conviction may disrupt her aims to run for the presidency in 2028, following the conclusion of Marcos’ term.
A lawyer for Duterte, who denies the accusations, stated she intends to post bail for her release during her trial by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The lawyer, Paul Lawrence Lim, emphasized her commitment to facing the charges legally.
“She has no intention of evading the law and will continue to exercise all her legal remedies,” Lim stated, while withholding further details.
The legal issues began with Duterte’s 2024 online news conference where she allegedly threatened to hire an assassin if she were harmed. She clarified later that her comments were concerns about her own safety. Her words triggered criminal probes and national security alarms.
The political alliance between Marcos and Duterte, forged for the 2022 elections, disintegrated rapidly. United, they merged the political influence of two prominent dynasties. However, their relationship deteriorated swiftly.
Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is also embroiled in legal battles. Last year, he was arrested by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity, related to harsh anti-drug campaigns marked by numerous deaths. Though he has denied sanctioning extrajudicial killings, he has been known to threaten suspected criminals.
The impeachment charges against Sara Duterte include unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, and threats against Marcos and his affiliates. Her impeachment trial commenced in July. A guilty verdict could permanently bar her from holding any public office and eliminate her 2028 presidential bid.
Marcos and the Dutertes diverge in foreign policy. Marcos has bolstered defense ties with the U.S., his nation’s treaty partner, countering China’s aggressions in the South China Sea. Conversely, Rodrigo Duterte sought alliances with China and Russia, often antagonizing Washington.
Sara Duterte has faced criticism for her silence over China’s aggressive tactics, including using water cannons against Filipino personnel and fishermen in contested waters.
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