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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte camp seeks oral arguments on motion to quash grave threats cases

Duterte camp seeks oral arguments on motion to quash grave threats cases

Counsel warns of 'far-reaching consequences' if sitting impeachable officials may be prosecuted while in office

Published Aug 14, 2026 11:26 am

At A Glance

  • Duterte's camp is seeking oral arguments on her motion to quash the grave threats cases.
  • Counsel says the cases could have implications for other incumbent impeachable officials.
  • There is no publicly reported warrant of arrest against Duterte in connection with the cases as of August 14, 2026.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team is seeking oral arguments on her motion to quash the grave threats cases filed against her before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. (Manila Bulletin/file)
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team is seeking oral arguments on her motion to quash the grave threats cases filed against her before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. (Manila Bulletin/file)
The legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte is seeking oral arguments on her motion to quash the grave threats cases filed against her before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
In a press statement on Friday, August 14, Duterte’s counsel, Atty. Paul Lawrence Lim, said the defense is filing a manifestation emphasizing the need for oral arguments because of what it described as the “far-reaching consequences” of the cases.
“The defense is now filing a manifestation emphasizing the need for oral arguments on the Vice President’s motion to quash, considering the far-reaching consequences of the Grave Threats cases,” Lim said.
Lim argued that allowing the criminal prosecution of a sitting Vice President could have broader implications for other impeachable officials.
“If a sitting Vice President may be indicted and prosecuted, then other incumbent impeachable officers such as the Ombudsman, members of the Constitutional Commissions, Supreme Court Justices, and even the President, may also be indicted and prosecuted,” he said.
Lim is counsel for Duterte in the grave threats cases being handled by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Dismissal of grave threats cases sought
Duterte’s lawyers earlier filed a motion to quash the information against the Vice President, citing lack of jurisdiction.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed three counts of grave threats against Duterte before the Quezon City RTC on August 11 over statements she made in November 2024 involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The cases stem from Duterte’s remarks during an online press conference in which she said she had arranged for someone to kill Marcos, his wife, and Romualdez if she herself were killed.
The NBI investigated the matter and recommended criminal charges. Prosecutors later found probable cause to pursue the grave threats cases.
No reported arrest warrant against Duterte
Amid rumors circulating online that Duterte may be arrested, there is no publicly reported warrant of arrest against the Vice President in connection with the grave threats cases as of August 14.
The current proceedings remain focused on Duterte’s motion to quash, which the Quezon City court will have to resolve as the case moves forward.
The filing of the cases does not automatically mean that an arrest warrant has been issued.
Lim’s latest statement likewise does not say that a warrant has been issued or that an arrest is imminent. Instead, the defense is asking the court to hear oral arguments on the jurisdictional issue and the broader constitutional implications it sees in prosecuting an incumbent impeachable officer.
Issue involving other impeachable officials raised
Lim’s argument centers on whether an incumbent impeachable officer can be subjected to criminal prosecution while still holding office.
The defense said the issue could affect not only Duterte but also other officials who are constitutionally subject to impeachment, including the President, the Ombudsman, members of the Constitutional Commissions, and Supreme Court justices.
The Quezon City RTC will ultimately determine whether the criminal cases may proceed and how it will resolve Duterte’s motion to quash. 
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/13/vp-sara-dutertes-camp-files-motion-to-quash-nbi-grave-threats-cases

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Sara Duterte grave threats case warrant of arrest motion to quash NBI
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