Duterte arrest order timing questioned amid impeachment proceedings

Senator Bong Go expressed puzzlement over the timing of the arrest warrant issued against Vice President Sara Duterte for alleged grave threats, questioning why it was released now amid ongoing impeachment proceedings. "I'm just puzzled by the timing. Why now when the deliberations here are ongoing?" Go said in an ambush interview with Senate reporters on Friday. He noted that the alleged incident occurred almost two years ago, raising questions about the delay in the warrant's issuance. Go, who also serves as a senator-judge in the impeachment court, pointed out that the court had just finished deliberating on the first article of impeachment against the Vice President, which involved the same grave threats allegation. The presentation for the next article concerning confidential funds is still ongoing. "That's all. There's just this question that keeps nagging at me. Why now? Why this kind of timing?" Go asked. The arrest warrant, dated September 4, was issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court after finding probable cause to hold Duterte for trial on three counts of grave threats. The charges stem from her statements in an online press conference in November 2024, where she said she had instructed someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were assassinated. Bail was set at P120,000 for each count, totaling P360,000. When asked if the warrant could be seen as a form of pressure against Duterte, Go declined to comment, stating that the matter is now before the court and that impeachment proceedings are separate from court proceedings. "It's now a matter in court. We have courts that we follow. We also have our own process here. Impeachment is different from a court proceeding," the senator said. Asked again how Duterte might handle the arrest, Go said, "Vice President Duterte is used to situations like these… She can handle it. I believe she can." Meanwhile, Go also declined to comment on the possibility of Duterte undergoing the same booking and mugshot procedures just like other arrested persons. "I have no further comment on the procedures," he said. The senator, a known ally of the Duterte family, said he is sure that Duterte's lawyers are preparing to pursue all legal remedies available to her. Information source: Inquirer NewsInfo