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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Sara's camp awaits court ruling on motion to quash NBI grave threats cases

VP Sara's camp awaits court ruling on motion to quash NBI grave threats cases

Duterte's counsel says the court heard oral arguments on a motion challenging its jurisdiction, citing the procedural immunity of impeachable officers while in office

Published Aug 25, 2026 07:22 pm

At A Glance

  • The court has heard oral arguments on Vice President Sara Duterte's motion to quash the informations filed in connection with the NBI grave threats cases.
  • Duterte's camp argues that the court lacks jurisdiction, citing the limited procedural immunity of impeachable officers while in office.
  • The defense said it will await the court's resolution and cannot provide further details because the matter is sub judice.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team says it is awaiting the court’s ruling on its motion to quash the informations filed against her in connection with the NBI grave threats cases. (Manila Bulletin/file)
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team says it is awaiting the court’s ruling on its motion to quash the informations filed against her in connection with the NBI grave threats cases. (Manila Bulletin/file)
The legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte said the court has heard oral arguments on its motion to quash the informations filed against her in connection with the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) grave threats cases, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction while she remains in office.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Atty. Paul Lawrence Lim, counsel for Duterte, said the motion is based on what the defense described as the “limited procedural immunity” granted to the Vice President and other impeachable officers under the 1987 Constitution.
“We confirm that the Honorable Court heard the parties’ oral arguments on our Motion to Quash the Informations for lack of jurisdiction,” Lim said.
He said the legal basis for the motion rests on the procedural immunity of impeachable officials while they are in office.
However, Lim said the defense could not provide further details because the matter is pending before the court.
“The matter being sub judice, we unfortunately cannot give further explanation,” he said. “We will now await the court’s resolution on our motion,” he added.
The cases stem from the NBI's investigation into allegations of grave threats involving Duterte. A motion to quash generally asks a court to dismiss a criminal case on specified legal grounds, including an alleged lack of jurisdiction.
The court’s ruling on Duterte’s motion could determine whether proceedings in the NBI grave threats cases may continue while she remains Vice President. 

Related Tags

Sara Duterte Vice President Sara Duterte NBI grave threats cases motion to quash Paul Lawrence Lim
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