Vice President Sara Duterte arrives at a Quezon City court, September 11, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The Supreme Court said Wednesday that cases “are decided based on law and evidence”, in response to Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks expressing a lack of trust in the justice system.
“We respect the VP’s statement, but again, cases are decided by courts based on law and evidence presented before it,” Supreme Court spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said.
Duterte over the weekend said she felt “unsafe” while posting bail for her grave threats case at a Quezon City court.
“Wala akong tiwala sa korte, wala akong tiwala sa pulis (I don't trust the court, I don't trust the police). I do not feel safe,” she said.
Sara Duterte arraignment for grave threats case deferred
Asked whether the Supreme Court was probing Duterte’s statement, Ting reiterated: “The court invites fair criticism… We shouldn’t be very sensitive about the criticisms from the public. But then, any action from the court will need evidence.”
In an earlier statement issued September 3, the Supreme Court said it welcomes fair criticism but stressed that allegations against judges and courts should be raised through proper processes, with complaints and supporting evidence.
“We’ll have to wait for the court’s action,” Ting said, when asked whether Duterte, as a member of the Bar, should be asked to explain her remarks or submit a memorandum.
The case against Duterte stemmed from her 2024 remarks that she had arranged for someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos and his cousin then House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself is killed. She has since said her remarks were misconstrued.
On Monday, the Quezon City Regional Trial Branch 98 denied Duterte’s motion seeking the inhibition of Judge Maria Angelica De Ramos. The judge said the motion lacked merit, while Duterte’s camp said it would pursue all available legal remedies.
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On Wednesday, Ting was also asked about a plea from a judges’ group for the Supreme Court to protect judges following alleged online harassment reportedly directed De Ramos.
“Again, we will have to wait for the court’s action, if any,” Ting said.
Duterte’s camp has filed a petition before the Supreme Court questioning the DOJ resolution in the grave threats case.
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