MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has defended the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid Vice President Sara Duterte’s claims that she feared for her safety, insisting that law enforcers are carrying out their duties in accordance with the law and without political bias.
The Palace’s response came after Duterte raised concerns about her security following developments surrounding the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, where she appeared in connection with a grave threats case.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the PNP was performing its mandate professionally and was not being used as an instrument for political persecution or violence.
“The PNP is carrying out its mandate in accordance with the law, without bias and without political considerations, but solely for the benefit of every Filipino,” Castro said.
Palace: PNP Not Being Used as a ‘Weapon’
Malacañang pushed back against allegations that police actions were politically motivated, stressing that the government would not allow the country’s police force to be used to perpetrate violence.
The Palace also maintained that the PNP remains responsible for protecting the rights of individuals under its authority while enforcing the law.
Under Republic Act No. 6975, the PNP is mandated to enforce laws, maintain peace and order, protect lives and property, prevent and investigate crimes, and make arrests in accordance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.
The law also specifically requires police powers involving arrest, search and seizure to be exercised within constitutional and legal limits.
Sara Duterte Posts P360,000 Bail
The latest Palace statement comes amid intensifying legal and political tensions involving the Vice President.
Duterte posted a total of P360,000 in bail for three counts of grave threats involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, according to reports from Philstar and the Associated Press.
The bail amounted to P120,000 for each count.
AP reported that Duterte appeared at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with the charges. The Vice President has denied wrongdoing and has accused the administration of targeting her.
During the developments surrounding her court appearance, Duterte also expressed concerns about her safety and the security of her children, saying she did not feel safe around police personnel.
Those allegations prompted Malacañang’s latest defense of the PNP.
A Growing Marcos-Duterte Rift
The case adds another major chapter to the deepening political divide between Duterte and Marcos, who were previously allies in the 2022 national elections.
Their relationship has since deteriorated dramatically, with disputes involving Duterte’s political future, legal battles and broader disagreements over government policies.
The current criminal case is separate from the political controversies that have intensified the rift between the country’s two most powerful political camps.
For Malacañang, however, the message remains clear: the PNP, it said, is expected to enforce the law impartially and without political interference.
What Happens Next?
With Duterte now having posted bail, attention is expected to shift to the court proceedings and the legal arguments surrounding the grave threats charges.
The bigger question, however, may extend far beyond the courtroom.
As the Marcos-Duterte political divide continues to widen, every police action, court order and public statement is likely to face intense scrutiny from both camps.
And with Duterte openly questioning her safety while Malacañang insists the PNP is simply following the law, the next development could further escalate one of the most consequential political conflicts in the Philippines.
The court case may now be moving forward—but the political battle surrounding it appears far from over.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.S
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