Vice President Sara Duterte questioned who would be held responsible if she died on the same day she posted bail at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC RTC),=.
Following the issuance of an arrest warrant against her in a grave threats case, she arrived at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
She asked reporters, “Kapag namatay ako mamayang gabi, sino ang mananagot?”
She went on to express concerns about her safety and distrust of both the court handling her case and the security officers deployed to the building, reiterating that she did “not feel safe with all these police personnel.”
Sara added: “Siyempre maghuhugas-kamay lang yung pulis—make it look like an accident. Maghuhugas-kamay lang yung judge. I do not feel safe at all. Kahit anong gawin ko."
Read: VP Sara Duterte, dismayado sa pagkaaresto ni ex-President Duterte
Sara Duterte says she fears for her safety
Based on video taken by GMA News, when someone suggested that they speak to her inside the court, Sara refused, saying she wanted to be seen by as many people as possible because she did not know what might happen to her once she enters the building with he lawyers, Paul Lawrence Lim and Michael Poa.
The 48-year-old politician said: “No. No. Gusto ko nakikita ng maraming tao.
“Hindi ko naman alam kung ano mangyayari sa akin diyan sa loob. Hindi ko nga alam kung ano mangyayari any minute now.”
The daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte also referenced the powerful political figures connected to her situation, saying: “Alam niyo, Presidente ito, asawa ng Presidente, pinsan ng Presidente. Saan ako pupunta?”
She also alleged that Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) could simply make her death appear accidental.
“E, sasabihin lang ng DOJ, sasabihin lang ng court, ‘lagay niyo iyan sa kanal.’ Sasabihin lang ng DILG sa pulis: ‘O, make it look like an accident.’ No. I really do not feel safe,” she stated.
After posting bail of PHP120,000 for each of the three counts, Sara left the court without incident.
In a media interview, Sara said her lawyers had discussed with her all possible scenarios related to the arrest warrant and advised her, “Magbail ka para maprotektahan ka ng taongbayan (Post bail so that the people can protect you).”
Still concerned about her safety as she exited the building, she asked reporters to walk with her until she reached her vehicle.
According to Rappler, she said the media’s “lens and mic” had captured what she described as the “kagarapalan” of the Marcos administration, apparently in reference to the case against her.
She also expressed concern for the safety of her children.
“I have documented threats and harassment since 2023. I fear for my children. I do not feel they are safe if I am with them.
"Umalis na nga ako kung nasaan mga anak ko para pumunta sa korte pero pumunta pa rin ang pulis. I do not feel safe. Pakiramdam ko papatayin nila ako,” Sara said in a statement.
Read: Sara Duterte announces presidential bid amid impeachment raps
Sara's case is bailable
Meanwhile, Sara’s lawyers had said they intended to post bail while continuing to pursue legal remedies.
The issuance of the arrest warrant does not mean Sara has been found guilty. It followed the court’s determination that there was probable cause for the case to proceed to trial.
The grave threats case is also connected to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Sara before the Senate, where the same allegations form part of the case against her.
Read more: