MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte has condemned the arrest warrant issued against his aunt, Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a “clear act of political harassment” as the Vice President’s legal and political battles continue to intensify.
In a statement, Omar Duterte accused those in power of using government institutions to silence political opponents, saying he was deeply troubled by the developments surrounding the Vice President.
His remarks came after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant against Sara Duterte in connection with three counts of grave threats. The Vice President later posted a total of P360,000 in bail, or P120,000 for each count, securing her provisional liberty while the case proceeds.
Omar Duterte: ‘A Clear Act of Political Harassment’
Omar Duterte described the warrant as politically motivated and criticized what he portrayed as the use of state power against members of the Duterte family and their allies.
According to reports, the Davao lawmaker said the situation reflected what he viewed as an increasingly alarming use of government authority against political opponents. He urged Filipinos to remain vigilant amid the continuing legal cases involving Vice President Duterte.
The allegations of political harassment, however, remain the position of Omar Duterte and other Duterte allies. The issuance of the warrant itself followed a judicial process in which the court found sufficient basis to issue the arrest order in relation to the criminal charges.
Why Was Sara Duterte Issued an Arrest Warrant?
The case against the Vice President stems from statements attributed to her during a 2024 online news conference involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Prosecutors filed three counts of grave threats, and the Quezon City court subsequently issued the arrest warrant. Duterte has denied wrongdoing and has maintained that she will pursue available legal remedies.
Reuters reported that the court set bail at P120,000 for each count, bringing the total amount to P360,000. Duterte later posted bail, allowing her temporary liberty while the criminal proceedings continue.
VP Sara Says She Fears for Her Safety
Following the arrest order, Sara Duterte publicly expressed concerns about her safety and the safety of her children. She also voiced distrust toward law enforcement and the judiciary, while her camp continued to insist that she was being unfairly targeted.
Reports said Duterte’s legal team would handle the case and pursue the remedies available to her under Philippine law.
Government officials, meanwhile, have maintained that Duterte’s rights and the judicial process must be respected. The Palace has also emphasized respect for court decisions amid the escalating political dispute.
Arrest Warrant Adds Pressure to Duterte’s Growing Legal Problems
The criminal case is only one of several major challenges confronting the Vice President.
Sara Duterte’s political fallout with President Marcos marks a dramatic collapse of the alliance that helped deliver their sweeping victory in the 2022 elections. What was once one of the country’s most powerful political partnerships has turned into an increasingly bitter confrontation involving court cases, congressional action and competing accusations.
The Vice President is also facing other political and legal challenges, including impeachment-related proceedings and separate allegations that she has denied. The outcome of these cases could have significant consequences for her political future.
Duterte Allies Close Ranks
Omar Duterte’s statement highlights how members of the Duterte political camp are rallying around the Vice President as pressure mounts.
For Duterte supporters, the arrest warrant has become another symbol of what they describe as political persecution. For critics, however, the case represents a legal process that should be allowed to proceed independently.
That divide is expected to become even sharper as the case moves forward.
With Sara Duterte now out on bail but still facing criminal proceedings, the next developments in court could determine whether this becomes simply another chapter in the bitter Marcos-Duterte split — or a turning point with far-reaching consequences for Philippine politics.
The warrant may have been answered with bail, but the bigger battle is far from over.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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