A Philippine trial court has issued an arrest warrant for Vice President Sara Duterte over three counts of grave threats involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, adding a major new legal challenge to the country’s vice president.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court issued the warrant on Friday, according to a court order. Bail was set at 120,000 pesos ($1,900) for each of the three counts, Reuters reported.

The case stems from remarks Duterte made during an online press conference in November 2024, when she said she had arranged for someone to kill Marcos, his wife and Romualdez if she herself were killed. Duterte has maintained that the comments were not intended as an actual threat and were made in the context of a political dispute.

Her legal team had previously asked the court to defer any arrest warrant while it considered a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The defence argued that Duterte, as an impeachable official, should not face criminal proceedings in a regular court while she remains in office.

Duterte’s arrest warrant comes as she is also facing an impeachment trial before the Philippine Senate, where allegations related to the threats form part of the broader case against her. The impeachment proceedings have intensified political tensions between Duterte and the Marcos administration.

Duterte’s camp is expected to post bail, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, while her lawyers continue to pursue legal remedies.

The case is being closely watched because of its potential implications for the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential election, when Duterte has been viewed as a potential contender. A conviction or other major legal development could significantly affect her political future.

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