A video recording of Vice President Sara Duterte making threatening remarks was presented as evidence during her impeachment trial in Manila earlier this month.
The evidence is central to the proceedings as it allows the court to assess whether the Vice President used her position to threaten high-ranking government officials. The trial, which began at 2 p.m. on July 6, 2026 [1], is taking place at the House of Representatives.
The video clip was introduced between July 6 and July 7 [2]. According to Inquirer staff, the footage shows Vice President Sara Duterte threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin [3]. The recording itself dates back to November 2026 [4].
This trial marks the second time Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached [5]. The proceedings have been marked by witness disputes and security concerns regarding those testifying.
Davao City Sheriff Abe Andres, a potential witness, expressed his intention to avoid the proceedings. "I will not attend the trial as a witness," Andres said [6].
Legal and security tensions have also extended to other officials. The Philippine National Police (PNP) previously signaled that Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa could face legal consequences if he appeared. "We are prepared to arrest Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa if he shows up at the trial," the PNP Chief said [7].
The presentation of the video is intended to provide a factual basis for the allegations of threats, which form a key pillar of the current impeachment case. The House of Representatives continues to review the evidence as the trial progresses.
“"The video shows Vice President Sara Duterte threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin,"”
The introduction of a recorded threat against the head of state and the legislature elevates the impeachment trial from a political dispute to a potential criminal matter. By documenting specific targets—the President, First Lady, and Speaker—the prosecution is attempting to establish a pattern of behavior that could justify removal from office based on a breach of public trust or misconduct.
