QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Hundreds of supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte gathered outside the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday morning as the embattled vice president prepared to appear for her arraignment in a criminal case that has become one of the most politically charged legal battles in the Philippines.
Wearing black shirts, waving Philippine flags and Duterte banners, supporters filled areas near the courthouse while police tightened security in anticipation of large crowds. Chants of “Duterte! Duterte!” echoed outside the court as her legal team arrived ahead of the proceedings. The gathering came just days after the court issued an arrest warrant against Duterte and after she posted bail to remain free while facing trial.
The arraignment marks another major chapter in the intensifying political conflict between the Marcos and Duterte families, whose alliance helped deliver a landslide victory in the 2022 elections before dramatically collapsing in 2024.
Heavy Security as Supporters Arrive Before Sunrise
Authorities deployed dozens of police officers around the Quezon City Hall of Justice to maintain order as Duterte supporters began arriving before sunrise.
Supporters carried placards expressing solidarity with the vice president, while others offered prayers outside the courthouse. Videos circulating online showed crowds cheering as Duterte’s convoy entered the court complex.
The Philippine National Police said security measures were implemented to ensure peaceful court proceedings amid expectations of both supporters and protesters near the area.
Why Is Sara Duterte Facing Criminal Charges?
The criminal case stems from November 2024, when Duterte made controversial remarks during an online press conference while addressing concerns about her own safety.
According to prosecutors, Duterte allegedly said she had instructed an assassin to kill:
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
- then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez
if she herself were killed.
Prosecutors interpreted those statements as constituting three counts of grave threats under the Revised Penal Code. The Quezon City court later found probable cause to proceed with trial and issued an arrest warrant against the vice president.
Duterte Denies Making Threats
Sara Duterte has repeatedly denied threatening the president or other officials.
Her camp argues that her statements were taken out of context and were made while discussing alleged threats against her own life. Duterte has maintained that she intends to contest the charges through legal remedies.
Speaking after posting bail earlier this month, Duterte said she felt unsafe and accused authorities of harassment, claiming she no longer trusts the police or the courts handling her case.
How Much Bail Did Sara Duterte Pay?
The Quezon City RTC allowed Duterte temporary liberty after setting bail at:
| Charge | Amount |
| Three counts of grave threats | ₱120,000 per count |
| Total Bail | ₱360,000 |
After posting bail, the arrest warrant was lifted pending trial.
A Court Battle With Massive Political Stakes
Legal analysts say the grave threats case is more than an ordinary criminal proceeding.
The allegations are also among the issues cited in the impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, which is currently being heard by the Senate acting as an impeachment court. If convicted in the impeachment trial, Duterte could be removed from office and barred from holding future public office.
The criminal case, meanwhile, proceeds separately before the regular courts.
Marcos vs. Duterte: From Running Mates to Political Rivals
The legal showdown reflects the continuing collapse of the alliance between two of the country’s most influential political dynasties.
Timeline of the feud
| Year | Development |
| 2022 | Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte win the presidency and vice presidency as allies. |
| 2024 | Duterte resigns from the Cabinet as political tensions escalate. |
| 2025–2026 | House impeaches Duterte over multiple allegations, including misuse of confidential funds and grave threats. |
| September 2026 | Quezon City court issues arrest warrant; Duterte posts bail and appears for arraignment. |
The feud has dominated Philippine politics and is widely viewed as shaping the landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Supporters Call the Case ‘Political Persecution’
Outside the courthouse, many Duterte supporters described the criminal charges as politically motivated.
Several supporters said they were there to “protect” the vice president and demonstrate continued public support despite her mounting legal troubles.
Duterte herself has repeatedly alleged that the Marcos administration is using government institutions to target her politically, an accusation Malacañang has denied. The Palace has said it will respect judicial processes and court decisions.
What Happens During the Arraignment?
The arraignment is a critical legal step where:
- The charges are formally read before Duterte.
- She enters a plea.
- The court schedules the next stages of the criminal trial.
Legal experts say entering a plea does not determine guilt or innocence; it simply allows the criminal proceedings to move forward.
What Could Happen If Sara Duterte Is Convicted?
If convicted of grave threats after trial, Duterte could face criminal penalties under Philippine law. The outcome could also have broader political consequences, especially because the same alleged statements are being examined in her impeachment proceedings.
Her legal team has vowed to challenge the charges and continue pursuing all available legal remedies.
The Bigger Picture: A Nation Watching Another Political Showdown
The courtroom proceedings have become a focal point in the deepening rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte camps, with both sides framing the case as a defining moment for Philippine democracy and the rule of law.
As supporters continue to gather outside the Quezon City courthouse and legal proceedings move forward, the arraignment is expected to be closely watched by political allies, critics, and millions of Filipinos nationwide.
Leave a Reply