VICE President Sara Duterte did not appear at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on Friday despite the issuance of an arrest warrant against her over three counts of grave threats. The court, specifically Branch 98, had issued the warrant after finding probable cause to hold the Vice President for trial on all three charges.
As of 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Duterte had still not voluntarily surrendered or appeared before the court to answer the charges.
In anticipation of her possible arrival, additional police personnel were deployed to the court premises following a formal request made after the warrant was issued. A backdrop used for taking mugshots was also brought inside the building in preparation for booking procedures should Duterte present herself. However, by the end of the business day, the Vice President remained absent, and court personnel and the extra police contingent were observed leaving the premises later that evening.
Duterte’s legal camp sought to allay concerns that she is evading the legal process, stating that the Vice President has no intention of avoiding the law and intends to pursue all available legal remedies. Her counsel noted that while the warrant has been issued, they are studying their next steps and will exhaust due process to address the charges, even as the court retains authority to implement the arrest order should she fail to appear voluntarily.
metrosundaily
