The arrest warrant issued against Vice President Sara Duterte indicates a judicial finding of probable cause rather than a conviction, and the separate impeachment proceedings must proceed independently, private prosecutor Atty. Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. said.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued the warrant on September 4 for three counts of grave threats, setting bail at P120,000 per count.
The charges stem from Duterte’s November 2024 remarks where she stated she had instructed someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed.
Tolosa stressed that criminal prosecution and impeachment address separate legal standards. While criminal cases determine individual criminal liability and potential imprisonment, the impeachment trial before the Senate evaluates fitness to remain in office.
Duterte’s legal team stated she will pursue available legal remedies. Meanwhile, the House prosecution confirmed it will proceed with presenting its evidence before the Senate regardless of ongoing criminal court developments.