Philippine VP Sara Duterte Posts Bail After Arrest Warrant Issued

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio posted bail on Saturday, September 5, a day after an arrest warrant was issued over her alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte-Carpio was charged last month with grave threats stemming from a late-night news briefing where she claimed to have hired a hitman to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and a congressman cousin.

She later stated the comments were misconstrued. The vice president voluntarily appeared before the court that issued the warrant, and her lawyer stated there was no need for her to be arrested. Duterte-Carpio posted 360,000 pesos bail ($5,740) for three counts of grave threats. Her legal team stated she has no intention of evading the law.

The case is seen as part of a political showdown, and a conviction could disqualify her from holding public office and seeking the presidency in 2028. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 set bail at 120,000 pesos for each count. Duterte expressed concerns for her safety, stating she has faced documented threats and harassment since 2023.

An altered photo circulated showing her in handcuffs, but the original photo was from a university visit. The arrest order was issued Friday, and the court issued an order lifting the arrest warrant after she posted bail.