Palace Defends PNP's Lawful Execution Amid Sara Duterte's Bail Posting

Malacañang asserted that the Philippine National Police (PNP) implemented the law impartially and without political bias when police officers secured the Quezon City Hall of Justice on the day Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail over grave threats charges she is facing. "The PNP carries out its mandate according to the law, impartially and without politics but for [every] Filipino. They have remained professional in safeguarding the rights of all persons under their protection," the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement. The Palace expressed its full trust in the PNP's leadership and ranks, reminding the public to direct their complaints about police actions through legal processes, and not rumors. "The administration has full confidence in the leadership of the PNP and its ranks, and we remind the public that any concern or complaint regarding police actions may be raised through legal channels and not by resorting to baseless allegations," the PCO said. "We also want to remind everyone that this administration will not allow the police to be used as a weapon in any violence." Duterte posted bail at a Quezon City court, a day after the issuance of an arrest warrant against her over her grave threats case. The QC Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 98 set the bail at P120,000 per count and found that there is probable cause to hold Duterte for trial, prompting it to issue an arrest warrant against her. Shortly before she posted bail, Duterte’s counsel, Atty. Michael Poa told reporters that Duterte was considered "surrendered." Duterte herself had stated, "I have documented threats and harassment since 2023. I fear for my children. I do not feel they are safe if I am with them." She also expressed concerns about the police presence, saying, "I already left the place where my children were to go to court, but the police still went there. I do not feel safe. I feel they will kill me."