VP Sara Duterte's arraignment on grave threats case postponed

MANILA, Philippines — The arraignment of Vice President Sara Duterte on grave threats charges has been postponed on Friday, after her lawyers requested the court to defer the proceedings while it studies their motion questioning the court's jurisdiction. Duterte arrived at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday morning, accompanied by her brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte. According to Atty. Paul Lawrence Lim, Duterte's lawyer in the case filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the court granted their request and directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the prosecution to submit their comments on the motion within the given period. Duterte's camp can respond if needed before the judge issues a decision. Lim did not disclose the details of the motion out of respect for the court process. Duterte's camp continues to question the jurisdiction of the DOJ and the RTC over the case. They have also filed an amended petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court, seeking a temporary restraining order and/or a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction. According to Lim, Duterte attended court to fulfill her obligation as an accused, even as her lawyers question the court's jurisdiction. Duterte herself stated that her lawyers are utilizing all legal means allowed by law and that she is following their advice. She reiterated her statement that she has been feeling threatened and harassed since 2023, but continues to perform her duties as vice president. For now, Duterte's arraignment has not proceeded as the court awaits comments from the DOJ and prosecution and studies the motion filed by her camp. The case stemmed from Duterte's alleged statement in 2024 that she ordered the killing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez should she be killed.