Quezon city: A Quezon City court has issued a warrant of arrest against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on charges of grave threats, following an incident during an online press conference where she allegedly claimed to have contracted hitmen to target members of the First Family.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Justice (DOJ) acknowledged the resolution issued by Branch 98 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City. The court denied the motion by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte to defer or recall the arrest warrant in the criminal case for grave threats. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez informed reporters of the court's decision, stating that probable cause was found to hold Duterte for trial on all three counts, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.

Martinez emphasized the DOJ's respect for the RTC's ruling and underscored its commitment to the rule of law. He specified that the court had denied a motion to defer the issuance or recall of the arrest warrant and to quash the information filed by the accused. As a result, the case will proceed to trial, with the court directly transmitting arrest warrants to appropriate law enforcement agencies for execution.

QC RTC Judge Maria Angelica De Ramos, in her order, set the bail at PHP120,000 for each count of the charge. Martinez reiterated that presidential immunity is applicable only to the president as the chief executive, excluding the vice president. Consequently, Vice President Duterte now faces impeachment proceedings before the Senate.