MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QCRTC) has granted the motion filed by the legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte seeking oral arguments in the pending grave threats case against her.
The QC-RTC’s Branch 98 set the hearing on August 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., during which the court will take up issues concerning jurisdiction and the defense's motion to quash.
Records showed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed the criminal information for grave threats against the vice president on August 11, 2026, stemming from online statements and press conferences in which she made remarks directed at the presidential family.
Government prosecutors have recommended a bail amount of P120,000 for the charge.
In their motion to quash, Duterte's counsel argued that the court lacks jurisdiction over the case, contending that a sitting impeachable official should not be subject to criminal indictment before an ordinary trial court.
The camp of the vice President has also sought for the court’s holding in abeyance the issuance of any arrest warrant while the jurisdictional question remains unresolved.
Court insiders said the scheduled oral arguments on August 20 will provide both the defense and state prosecutors an opportunity to debate the legal parameters and constitutional implications of prosecuting a high-ranking incumbent official.
