The scheduled arraignment of Vice President Sara Duterte on three counts of grave threats was deferred by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 on Friday.
Duterte’s lawyer, Paul Lawrence Lim, confirmed the postponement but declined to disclose details, citing sensitive matters and respect for the court.
Duterte arrived at the Quezon City Hall of Justice shortly before the scheduled 8:30 a.m. proceedings, accompanied by her brother, Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, and Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat (PPP) Rep. Harold Duterte.
Asked about the proceedings and her plea, Duterte referred questions to her lawyer. She said her legal team was pursuing all remedies available under the law, including efforts involving a temporary restraining order and injunction.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Duterte said her priority remains the safety of her family.
“I’m okay. Wala namang problema sa akin. So, as long as protektado ’yung aking ina at mga anak. Okay lang ako,” she said.
However, Duterte reiterated that she has felt threatened and harassed since 2023, saying she does not feel safe despite continuing to perform her duties.
“Yes, since 2023. I feel threatened. I feel harassed. I do not feel safe. Pero may trabaho ako na kailangan gawin at may obligasyon ako sa lahat ng tao na kailangan kong gawin,” she said.
Duterte said her concerns were based on what she described as documented incidents involving threats and harassment against her.
She also criticized what she described as a pattern in the handling of complaints involving her and questioned actions she said were part of political harassment by the administration.
On possible developments in the impeachment proceedings, Duterte said she would wait for formal documentation before deciding whether to appear as a prosecution witness. She also maintained that constitutional rules should guide discussions on the proceedings.
Duterte likewise declined to comment extensively on complaints seeking disciplinary action against lawyers, saying she would address each matter as it arises.
Responding to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s claim that she wanted “drama,” Duterte countered by saying that the “real drama” would involve the reported arrest of Martin Romualdez and a statement her camp would release in the coming days.
“Siya ‘yung may gusto ng drama atsaka ‘yung totoong drama kung makikita ninyo ay ‘yung pag-aresto “kuno” kay Martin Romualdez at sa mga susunod na araw mag release kami ng statement patungkol dito,” she said.
