Sara Duterte Faces Sharp Criticism as Trillanes Questions Her Mental State
SARA DUTERTE – Political tensions intensified after former senator Antonio Trillanes IV publicly reacted to Vice President Sara Duterte’s statements following her appearance at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has strongly criticized Vice President Sara Duterte following the renewed discussion of her political plans and concerns over threats to her safety.
Trillanes made the remarks after a video of Duterte circulated on social media following her posting of bail at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the grave threats charges filed against her.
In a Facebook post on September 5, Trillanes expressed his reaction to the Vice President’s statements regarding alleged threats against her life.
“Sa mga nakapanood ng mga video ng pagpiyansa ni Sara sa QC RTC, sana naman maliwanag sa inyo na wala talaga siya sa tamang pag-iisip,” Trillanes’s straightforward statement.
He also questioned Duterte’s suitability for public office, saying, “Hindi ito puwedeng maging presidente o manatili bilang bise presidente.
“Alang-alang sa ating bayan at sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino, pumili naman tayo ng maayos,” was his further appeal to the public.
Duterte previously announced in February 2026 that she would seek the presidency in the 2028 elections.
“Ako si Sara Duterte, tatakbo bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas,” the Vice President said during a press briefing in Mandaluyong City.
Meanwhile, during her appearance at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on September 5, Duterte spoke about her concerns for her personal safety. She said she feels unsafe and believes her life could be in danger wherever she goes.
The Vice President linked these fears to threats she claims to have received over the years. She also expressed concern about the safety of her children.
Duterte confirmed that the Office of the Vice President had received an arrest warrant issued by the Quezon City RTC Branch 98.
“I confirm that I was given notice of a warrant of arrest dated September 4, 2026 issued by Judge Maria Angelica De Ramos of Branch 98, Quezon City and served by PNP Col Christine Tabdi in the Office of the Vice President,” said Duterte.
She further said that she has kept records of threats and harassment allegedly directed at her since 2023.
“I have documented threats and harassment since 2023. I fear for my children. I do not feel they are safe if I am with them.
“Umalis na nga ako kung nasaan mga anak ko para pumunta sa korte pero pumunta pa rin ang pulis,” the vice president said.
She added, “I do not feel safe. Pakiramdam ko papatayin nila ako.”
The grave threats case stemmed from Duterte’s remarks during an online press briefing in November 2024, when she acknowledged having allegedly hired someone to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed first.
The case and the opposing statements from Duterte and Trillanes have added another layer to the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Vice President and her possible 2028 presidential campaign.
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