August 11-The Philippine Department of Justice confirmed on the 11th that the Bureau of Investigation has filed serious threat charges against Vice President Sarah Duterte. These charges were submitted to the Quezon City District Court on the same day.

File photo shows Philippine Vice President Sarah Duterte.

The charges filed in court stem from allegations of irregularities and serious threats filed by the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation last year. At the end of 2024, Sara Duterte publicly stated that she had arranged a special "assassin" to retaliate if the current Philippine President Marcos and his wife were abused.

Subsequently, Sara Duterte's legal team issued a statement responding to the allegations. The statement said Sarah's side "anticipated the Justice Department's decision to file a lawsuit and was fully prepared". The statement emphasized that according to Philippine law, Sarah has a legal presumption of innocence before the court makes a final judgment, and she believes that the relevant charges will eventually be dropped.

Sarah Duterte is the eldest daughter of former Philippine President Duterte. Her impeachment proceedings are currently underway in the Philippine Senate. According to the Philippine Constitution, if 2/3 or more members support impeachment in a Senate trial, Sarah will be convicted and removed from office and banned from public office for life.