Court to hear VP Sara Duterte’s bid to overturn grave threats case

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 19, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Philippine News Agency

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 will hear oral arguments on Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s bid to overturn the grave threats case filed against her by the Department of Justice.

The hearing is set for August 20 at 8:30 a.m., based on a court order dated August 17.

Duterte’s defense team earlier asked the court to hear its arguments on a pending motion seeking to recall the arrest warrant and dismiss the grave threats charges.

The DOJ filed the case on August 11 over Duterte’s remarks during an online press briefing last year, when she claimed she had hired assassins to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed.

Her lawyers argued that the case could have “serious, far-reaching and dangerous consequences” for the country’s legal system, particularly because Duterte is an impeachable official under the Constitution.

The case comes as Duterte also faces an impeachment trial before the Senate, with threats against the President and other officials among the allegations against her, alongside alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and unexplained wealth.

Prosecutors have recommended P120,000 bail for Duterte’s temporary liberty.