MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s bid to recall her arrest warrant and dismiss the grave threats case against her will come before a Quezon City court on Thursday, Aug. 20, as her lawyers challenge a prosecution they warn could have sweeping consequences for the country’s legal system.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 has set oral arguments on pending motions in the case at 8:30 a.m., according to an order dated Aug. 17.
Duterte-Carpio’s legal team had sought oral arguments on its motions seeking the recall of the arrest warrant and the dismissal of the criminal charges.
The Department of Justice filed the grave threats case on Aug. 11 over Duterte-Carpio’s remarks during an online press conference in November last year, when she said she had arranged for individuals to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were assassinated.
Her lawyers have argued that the prosecution raises significant constitutional and legal questions because Duterte-Carpio is a sitting Vice President and an impeachable official.
In its motion, the defense warned that allowing the prosecution to proceed could have “serious, far-reaching and dangerous consequences” for the country’s legal system.
The Aug. 20 hearing comes as Duterte-Carpio separately faces an impeachment trial before the Senate, where her alleged threats against Marcos, the First Lady and Romualdez form part of the accusations against her.
Other impeachment allegations against the Vice President include the alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and unexplained wealth.
Prosecutors have recommended bail of ₱120,000 should Duterte-Carpio seek temporary liberty while the criminal case is pending./PN
