The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continues as her defense team argues that her alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.were justified due to perceived threats against her and her family.

Defense lawyer Mark Vinluan claimed that Duterte was pushed to the edge after facing months of harassment and threats from powerful entities, culminating in her November 2024 press conference where she allegedly warned of a plot to eliminate her and her family.The defense presented evidence, including statements from Zuleika Lopez, Duterte's chief-of-staff, who claimed her life was under threat.However, the prosecution disputes this, arguing that the context provided by the defense does not exonerate Duterte.

House prosecutor Joel Chua criticized the defense for failing to adequately explain the threats, while National Bureau of Investigation officer John Mark Calilung stated that Duterte's threats were absolute and not conditional.Former national security official Eduardo Año also emphasized that threats against the president are considered national security matters.The trial highlights the complex interplay between personal safety, political power, and legal accountability in the Philippines.