Philippine Vice President Released on Bail Following Arrest Warrant

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte paid bail in a Manila court on Saturday (5/9), one day after an arrest warrant was issued over alleged death threats against the country’s president.

Duterte was charged last month with “serious threats” stemming from a press conference, during which she claimed she had hired assassins to kill Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, his wife, and his cousin, a member of Congress, should she be killed first.

Sara subsequently stated that the comments had been misinterpreted.

The death threat allegations are also a critical element of the ongoing Senate impeachment trial, where a guilty verdict would result in her removal from office and a permanent ban from politics.

“The Vice President voluntarily appeared before the court that issued the warrant, so there was no need for her to be arrested,” said her lawyer, Lawrence Lim, as reported by AFP news agency on Saturday (5/9/2026).

He spoke after Duterte exited the courthouse building while holding a court order confirming that she had paid bail amounting to 360,000 pesos (US$5,740) or approximately Rp 101 million.

She also underwent standard registration procedures where her fingerprints were recorded, although no mugshot was taken, Lim added.

In a statement, Sara said her lawyer advised her to pay bail for her own safety.

“They explained to me that I would receive better protection from civilians who can monitor my situation, rather than being in detention, where I would be isolated and have little protection,” she said.

Before entering the courthouse, Sara told reporters that she was concerned about her safety.

“I did not want to (pay bail) if no one was watching. Would they throw me in jail, and then one night I die in my sleep?” she asked, claiming she could become a victim of police misconduct.