Quezon city: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed criminal charges for grave threats against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court. The charges stem from her online outburst during a press briefing in November of the previous year.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez confirmed in a media interview that the grave threats case is the same issue referred to the DOJ by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). It is also linked to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

The NBI had previously filed complaints of inciting to sedition and grave threats against the Vice President. They found a "reasonable certainty of conviction" regarding Duterte's death threats directed at President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. During her outburst, Duterte claimed she had contracted a hitman to assassinate the President, the First Lady, and Romualdez should she be killed.

Duterte is currently undergoing an impeachment trial at the Senate, with the grave threat serving as one of four charges against her. The other charges include misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and unexplained wealth. Martinez noted that prosecutors have recommended a bail of PHP120,000 for Duterte's temporary release.