Sara Duterte prefers civilian protection over police detention

Vice President Sara Duterte said Saturday she preferred to post bail and seek civilian protection rather than stay under the watch of the police. Duterte showed up at the Quezon City Hall of Justice to post bail together with her lawyers, a day after a court issued an arrest warrant against her over the alleged grave threats she made against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former speaker Martin Romualdez. "My lawyers spoke to me and they advised me to post bail instead of remaining in separate detention in police custody. They explained to me that I can be better protected by civilians where I can be seen and my condition can be monitored, compared to remaining in detention where I am separated with weakened protection," Duterte said in a statement. While she was outside the hall, her counsel could be seen attempting to explain her legal options. The vice president, however, was visibly upset. Duterte was insistent on bringing the media with her inside the building because she wants to be seen. She repeatedly said that she did not feel safe, accusing the police of harassing her mother and her child. She also claimed to have been harassed by the government since 2023, but did not elaborate in what manner. "My worry is also the worry of everyone. It is not just the safety of their families, lives, and character they are worried about, but their belongings and livelihood because of the lack of adequate public services and rampant corruption," she said. The incident highlights political tensions in the Philippines and concerns regarding the legal accountability of public officials and the safety of citizens. The Vice President's statements can also be interpreted as reflecting broader societal anxieties about public services and corruption. This may further fuel discussions on the relationship between political power and law enforcement in the Philippines, as well as the security challenges faced by the populace.