Court Delays Arraignment of Philippine Vice President Duterte
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s arraignment on charges of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the first lady and the House Speaker was postponed on Friday, adding another twist to a legal fight that could threaten her plans to run for president in 2028.
Her lawyer, Paul Lim, told reporters and supporters gathered outside the courthouse that the defense had filed a motion to delay the proceeding, which the court approved. Duterte did not enter a plea, with Lim saying the arraignment would remain on hold until the motion is resolved.
The postponement comes days after Duterte posted bail following a court order for her arrest over the charges. The case traces back to an online press conference in 2024, during which Duterte said she had instructed an assassin to kill Marcos, his wife and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, should she herself be killed. She has denied making any actual threat, saying her comments were misinterpreted.
Duterte and Marcos ran together in 2022 but have since split into bitter rivals. The 48-year-old daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte could face up to six months in prison if convicted.
The grave threats allegation is also central to a separate impeachment case against her, which is currently being heard in the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court with senators acting as jurors. Together, the two proceedings represent the most serious legal challenge yet to Duterte’s political future.
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