Sara Duterte arraignment postponed in grave threats case

The arraignment of Vice President Sara Duterte regarding a grave threats case was indefinitely postponed at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Friday, September 11, 2026. The defense filed a motion for suspension, which the court is currently reviewing. Duterte’s legal counsel, Paul Lawrence Lim, noted that the Vice President has petitioned the Supreme Court for a temporary restraining order, arguing she possesses immunity as an impeachable official.

The Department of Justice filed the charges following a November 2024 press conference in which Duterte allegedly suggested she would seek the deaths of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if a purported murder plot against her succeeded.

Malacañang responded to Duterte’s characterization of the legal proceedings as “drama,” urging her to face the allegations and defend herself through due process. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the cases filed by the Department of Justice and the Ombudsman are based on evidence and emphasized that the administration under President Marcos Jr. does not take shortcuts with justice. Castro also challenged the Vice President to address accusations regarding the use of confidential funds.