Vice President Sara Duterte posted bail at a Manila courthouse on Sunday following the issuance of an arrest warrant related to an alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos. The warrant was issued a day prior, after Duterte was charged last month with “grave threats” stemming from remarks made during a late-night news briefing.

During the briefing, Duterte reportedly claimed to have hired a hitman to kill President Marcos, his wife, and a congressman cousin if she were to be harmed first. She later clarified that her comments were misunderstood. The controversy over the alleged assassination threat is a significant part of Duterte’s ongoing Senate impeachment trial. If found guilty, she would be removed from office and barred from participating in politics permanently.

Upon her arrival at the regional courthouse, Duterte’s lawyer, Lawrence Lim, stated she voluntarily complied with the court order, making an arrest unnecessary. Duterte expressed concern for her safety before entering the courthouse, saying she feared being jailed and potentially harmed while in custody. “I don’t want to (post bail) if no one is watching,” she said, alleging police harassment.

Under Philippine law, a conviction for “grave threats” carries a potential jail sentence of up to six months. Duterte’s legal team released a statement emphasizing that she has no intention of evading the law and will continue to pursue all available legal remedies.

The Justice Department has rejected arguments from her lawyers claiming that she cannot face prosecution for matters related to her impeachment. Duterte was impeached in May by the House of Representatives on charges that include graft and corruption alongside the threat allegation. The Senate trial, which has been ongoing for over nine weeks, will determine her political future. A guilty verdict would prevent her from running for president in the 2028 elections.