QC court denies VP Sara’s bid to inhibit judge in grave threats case

September 15, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (QC-RTC) has denied Vice President Sara Duterte’s bid to have Judge Maria Angelica De Ramos recuse herself from handling her criminal case for grave threats.

In an order dated Sept. 14, 2026, De Ramos, presiding judge of QC-RTC Branch 98, ruled that Duterte’s motion for inhibition lacked merit.

The judge found no sufficient basis to remove herself from the case, saying there was no clear and convincing evidence showing actual bias, prejudgment or any improper connection that could cast doubt on her impartiality.

The Vice President is facing three counts of grave threats stemming from her online statements directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The QC-RTC Branch 98 had earlier deferred Duterte’s arraignment on the three charges while her motion seeking De Ramos’ recusal was pending.#