Sara Duterte's bid to remove judge in threats case denied

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City judge who issued an arrest warrant for Vice President Sara Duterte—and who later faced online bashing from her supporters—will stay on her grave threats case. Judge Maria Angelica de Ramos of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 98 denied Duterte’s motion seeking the judge’s inhibition from the case. The judge had previously issued an arrest warrant against the Vice President, which led to her supporters launching an online campaign against Judge De Ramos. The denial of the motion to inhibit is seen as a move to uphold the independence of the judiciary. In the Philippine judicial system, the recusal of judges is a crucial process to ensure fair trials. However, pressure and online attacks from politicians and their supporters have often been cited as factors that threaten judicial independence. This case highlights the political tensions in the Philippines and concerns about potential influence on the judiciary. The future proceedings of the trial will be closely watched.