Lawmakers Urge Accountability for Philippine VP Sara Duterte Amid Threats Case
The Story
Current and former lawmakers rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's portrayal of herself as a victim on Sunday, September 6, urging her to face accountability over grave threats complaints. Rep. Leila de Lima emphasized that Duterte must face accountability, stating, "Hindi ka biktima; may pananagutan ka." Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV urged the public to look at Duterte and choose wisely in the next presidential elections. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 98 issued a warrant of arrest against Duterte on September 4 for three counts of grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte posted bail on Saturday, September 5, with P120,000 for each count, appearing personally before the court. One of her lawyers, Paul Lawrence Lim, confirmed Duterte submitted her mugshots. Duterte expressed concerns for her safety during court proceedings, claiming she does not trust authorities and fears for her children's security. She stated, "I do not feel safe anywhere." The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Saturday evening, September 5, that the PNP has not monitored any verified threat against Duterte or her family, and Duterte has not reported any threats to the police. The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP)-Laban denounced the arrest warrant, calling it an assault on the political opposition and pointing to the judge's recent appointment by President Marcos. House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V stated the warrant means Duterte should confront the charges through the judicial process. Rep. Terry Ridon told Duterte to stop portraying her arrest as a threat to her safety.
The Spread
What they agree on
- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail on September 5, 2026, for three counts of grave threats.
- A Quezon City Regional Trial Court branch issued the arrest warrant against Duterte on September 4, 2026.
- The charges involve alleged grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
- Duterte claimed she does not feel safe and fears for her children's security, expressing distrust in law enforcement.
- The Philippine National Police stated it has not monitored any verified threats against Vice President Sara Duterte or her family.
Where they split
- Some sources, like The Philippine Star, emphasize lawmakers' calls for Duterte to face accountability and reject her victim narrative.
- Rappler focuses on Duterte's emotional statements about feeling unsafe and her distrust of authorities during the court proceedings.
- The Philippine Star also includes the PNP's statement that no verified threats against Duterte have been monitored.
- The Philippine Star highlights the PDP-Laban's denouncement of the arrest warrant as an "assault" on the opposition, while also including a counter-perspective from House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V.