Sara Duterte Claims Marcos Controls Senate, Judges, Police Amid Legal Battles

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday told supporters not to feel “pressure” over her impeachment trial and criminal cases, expressing confidence despite claiming that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. controls the Senate, prosecutors, judges, and police. In a statement following a series of pronouncements after an arrest warrant was issued for grave threats on Friday, Duterte thanked her supporters for their messages of support amid what she described as “relentless political harassment from the Marcos administration.” READ: Duterte’s distrust of police needs ‘patience, understanding’ – PNP “Many have also said that they are stressed out by the impeachment and the cases I am facing. I want to convey to all of you that you do not need to worry and do not be pressured,” she said. “Even though Marcos controls the senators, prosecutors, judges and police, there are so many lawyers who are helping me fight and win these cases,” she added. Duterte also claimed that the real pressure she feels is knowing that she can do only so little to help ease the public’s suffering as they wade through floodwaters, experience starvation and cope with the continued rise in the prices of basic goods. “The real pressure is being a government official as I see that Marcos and some other officials seem to only put their own interests first, instead of the welfare of every Filipino,” she said. Duterte was ordered arrested by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Friday for three counts of grave threats. These charges stemmed from the alleged threats she made during a November 2024 virtual press conference against President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker and presidential cousin Martin Romualdez. READ: Duterte trial Day 22: PSA official to testify on CF payees’ identities This incident also forms part of the articles of impeachment against her, apart from allegations of misusing confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and bribery. /mcm